Director: Joshua Hext
Cast: Aaron Gepp, Justin G. Gibson, Talin Hildebrandt, Dan Random
Three and a Half is an Iranian short comedy-drama film directed and written by Naghi Nemati, completed in 2010 and finally released in Iranian cinemas on June 17, 2016, following several years under a distribution ban. It blends quiet humor with a reflective dramatic sensibility.
What is Three And A Half about?
A compact story unfolding across a brief but emotionally dense stretch of time, Three and a Half traces the encounters and small collisions of ordinary life in a way that feels both intimate and quietly absurd. The film does not rely on grand gestures; instead, it constructs its world through short, telling exchanges between characters whose paths cross in unexpectedly revealing ways. The comedy and drama sit side by side without forcing resolution, leaving the viewer with a sense of life observed rather than narrated. Its compressed running time is part of its statement — much can be said in a short space when every scene is chosen with intention.
Cast & crew
The film was written and directed by Naghi Nemati, who guided the production through a prolonged wait before it reached audiences. On screen, Aaron Gepp, Justin G. Gibson, Talin Hildebrandt, and Dan Random form the small ensemble, each contributing to the film's understated rhythm and its interest in quiet, character-driven comedy rooted in everyday human interaction.
Context & significance
For Iranian diaspora viewers, Three and a Half carries an extra layer of meaning beyond its short runtime. The fact that the film was completed in 2010 yet held from release until 2016 reflects the complex pressures Iranian filmmakers face navigating official approval processes. Short films in Iran have long served as a proving ground for cinematic voices that work within constraints to say something genuine. Watching a film like this outside Iran — freely, on your own schedule — recaptures something that was delayed or suppressed at the source. The short form also fits naturally into diaspora viewing habits: a complete, considered artistic statement that does not ask for more than it gives.
Where & how to watch
Three and a Half is available on K-Time with Persian dubbing. Watch directly on the web, on your TV, or on your phone — no extra download required, no VPN, no geo-blocking. Subscribe and cancel anytime.