Il était une fois... Une séparation

Il était une fois... Une séparation offers a French perspective on the making of the Iranian Oscar winning drama A Separation. The documentary follows the practical path from concept to finished film, highlighting how editors, producers and actors negotiate a tense story about family duty in a society facing moral constraints. We see collaborators exchanging ideas about tone, pacing, and the delicate balance between intimate quarrels and social observation, without spoiling the original film. The film treats the on set atmosphere as a character in its own right, capturing moments of doubt, quick decisions, and shared humor. By stepping behind the curtain, it reveals how a global hit is born from local realities and creative stubbornness. Throughout, the filmmakers emphasize constraints that shape storytelling, from budget limits to cultural expectations, and the human moments that keep the project anchored in reality.

Directed by Auberi Edler, this French documentary presents the collaboration with Serge July as creator, tracing the behind the scenes effort that led to A Separation becoming an internationally acclaimed film.

Box office data for this documentary is not publicly reported, so there are no notable worldwide grosses to reference. The focus stays on the process and conversations that shaped the project.

The film spotlights how A Separation resonated beyond Iran by guiding audiences toward a sharper view of modern family life and social pressure. It captures critics and audiences reacting to a work that blends intimate drama with social critique.

Critical response to the documentary notes its candid portrayal of creative collaboration under constraint, emphasizing craft, perspective and the tension between personal stories and public reception. It also touches on the ethics of portrayal and the responsibility that comes with telling a story rooted in real lives. The film invites viewers to think about how films travel from local rooms to global screens.