Leila Pahlavi

A distinctive documentary that takes a look at the life of Shahbanoo Farah Pahlavi from childhood to the present day. Produced using dozens of rare and lesser-seen films and photographs and narrated by the Empress herself—it not only introduces viewers to her personality, traits, and life memories, but also offers a view of the social, cultural, and political transformations of contemporary Iranian history over more than the past 70 years.

The documentary "Guest in Cairo," (The Shah's funeral ceremony) part of Manoto’s documentary series, delves into the final days of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Cairo, Egypt, using never-before-seen footage. A king who, after being exiled from his country, was abandoned by almost all his friends and allies. Among them, Anwar Sadat, the President of Egypt, was the only one who refused to sacrifice his friendship with the Shah for political gains and deals. While no one else was willing to accept the ailing Shah, Sadat offered refuge to him and his family and appointed Egypt’s most skilled doctors to care for him. After the Shah’s death, Anwar Sadat held an official and grand funeral, showcasing his unwavering loyalty and friendship with the fallen monarch.

On January 16, 1979, the then Shah of Iran, left Iran commencing what became a 19-month odyssey to exile in Egypt, Morocco, Bahamas, Mexico, US, Panama, and back to Egypt again where he passed away. His death had profound consequences for the future of the middle east and the world, yet the untold medical story of the late Shah of Iran has to date remained a puzzling mystery. This documentary leads viewers to the main causes of the Iranian revolution, pursuant hostage crisis, and the state of relations between the U.S. and Iran.