Iranian cinema has evolved in many ways since Houston’s annual film festival—the longest-running annual MFAH event—was established two decades ago. This year’s selections include comedy, drama, and an acclaimed documentary. The 20th Iranian Film Festival. Modest Reception (Paziraie Sadeh)Directed by Mani Haghighi2012, in Farsi with English subtltes, 100 minutes Winning awards at film festivals in Berlin and India, Modest Receptionstars director Mani Haghighi and Taraneh Alidoosti (who starred in About Elly, which screened at the MFAH in 2011) as a couple distributing bags of cash to need people in the surrounding provinces. The film demonstrates how far the impoverished citizens are willing to sell out for a bag of money offered by the wealthy couple from the city.“Mani Haghighi and Taraneh Alidoosti . . . pull out the stops in an absurd but engrossing piece of cinematic theater that is by far the director’s most daring work.” – Hollywood Reporter