“I Want to Be a King” is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary by Iranian filmmaker Mehdi Ganji. The film follows the eccentric and ambitious Abbas—a wedding videographer in southern Iran—who dreams of transforming a small desert village into a modern kingdom, with himself as its king.
What begins as a quirky tale of personal ambition gradually evolves into a deep exploration of power, delusion, tradition, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Through Ganji’s intimate lens, the audience is invited to question the nature of leadership and the cost of chasing one’s dreams in a changing society.
🗣️ Language: Persian (with English subtitles)
⏱️ Runtime: 70 minutes
📽️ Genre: Documentary, Social Commentary
– Q&A with Director
– Discussion on power, leadership, and documentary storytelling