By Fateme Torkashvand
Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, passed away on this day, June 3, 1989. His life and legacy continue to inspire advocates of truth and justice around the world.
Imam Khomeini’s determined resistance to the West-backed regime in Iran and his rejection of Western political meddling showcased his profound statesmanship and political insight.
From a humble home in a northern Tehran village, he created ripples around the world. He taught the world how to rise against a powerful system rooted in deceit and betrayal.
Much has been written and said about his life and ideals over the years. We compiled a brief list of documentary films and books that explore his life and political philosophy.
Documentaries:
Ruhollah
Director: Mohammad Dabagh
Directed by Lebanese filmmaker Mohammad Dabagh, Ruhollah is widely regarded as the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the life and legacy of Imam Khomeini.
This ten-part series features interviews with over 60 prominent figures from around the world and showcases more than 10,000 rare photographs and archival footage.
Its scale and meticulous detail have made it a lasting reference point in the documentation of Iran’s contemporary history.
The School of Imam
Director: Amin Babazadeh
This 30-minute documentary explores Imam Khomeini’s distinctive educational philosophy within the Qom Seminary.
Directed by journalist Amin Babazadeh, it delves into how the Imam’s critical reinterpretation of Islamic jurisprudence introduced transformative perspectives on governance and politics.
Through the voices of his students and companions, the film portrays a reimagining of tradition in the midst of revolutionary change.
Messiah Spirit
Director: Unknown | Featuring: Michel Setboun
French photojournalist Michel Setboun, who documented the early days of the Islamic Revolution through over 30,000 images, shares his personal recollections of Imam Khomeini in this documentary film, including the historic flight from Neauphle-le-Château to Tehran.
The documentary interweaves Setboun’s professional journey with his deep admiration for the Imam, illuminating how a spiritual leader left a lasting impression on a secular European witness.
Timeless Frames
Director: Hassan Homayounfar
Photographer Ali Kaveh, whose iconic images of Imam Khomeini have even appeared on national currency, recounts his experiences in this poignant short documentary. Directed by acclaimed war photographer Hassan Homayounfar, the film reflects on the emotional and historical resonance captured through Kaveh’s lens, particularly during the Imam’s funeral.
The Grand Funeral
Director: Mostafa Fattahi
This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the largest funerals in modern history – that of Imam Khomeini in the Iranian capital.
Through firsthand accounts from the pilots who transported Imam Khomeini’s body for burial, it reveals how the overwhelming public turnout required an abrupt shift from land to air transport, an extraordinary moment that underscored the collective mourning of a nation.
Lady of Iran (Banoo Qods-e Iran)
Director: Mostafa Razagh-Karimi
Directed by renowned Iranian-Austrian filmmaker Mostafa Razagh-Karimi, this groundbreaking documentary is the first to explore the life of Khadijeh Saqafi, Imam Khomeini’s wife.
The film offers an intimate portrayal of a woman whose quiet strength and unwavering support were deeply intertwined with one of the most influential figures in modern Islamic history.
Premiered at Iran’s 11th Cinéma Vérité festival, it garnered top honors at both Cinéma Vérité and the Fajr Film Festival.
Alif Laam Khomeini
Author: Hedayatollah Behboudi
A rich literary and historical biography written in Persian, this book delves into Imam Khomeini’s life from his early years to his revolutionary leadership.
Blending narrative depth with contextual insight, it reveals the intricate fusion of his spiritual convictions and political vision.
Haj Agha Ruhollah
Author: Hamid Reza Bagheri
Focusing on the period from Imam Khomeini’s birth through his seminary education, this book goes beyond personal recollection to illuminate the broader political and social landscape of Iran in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key historical moments, such as the Constitutional Revolution, the rise of Reza Khan, the role of Seyyed Hassan Modarres in parliament, and the Goharshad Mosque incident, are presented as formative events that shaped the Imam’s worldview.
The Righteous Servant of God
Author: Group of Researchers at the Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works
Based on an exclusive 1982 interview with Ayatollah Khamenei conducted by the Islamic Revolution Document Center, this book presents a biographical account of Imam Khomeini.
It includes additional recollections from Ayatollah Khamenei and features rare photographs, as well as SAVAK and police reports documenting the Imam’s revolutionary activities.
All materials are sourced from the archives of the Islamic Revolution Document Center.
The Struggle of Imam Khomeini to Establish the Islamic Republic of Iran
Author: Abdul Latif Parsons
This Kindle edition compiles 114 of Imam Khomeini’s pivotal speeches, offering a chronological journey from the Islamic movement’s inception in 1962 in Qom to the Revolution’s victory in 1979.
These speeches serve as foundational texts for understanding the ideological, strategic, and spiritual dimensions of Iran’s transformation into an Islamic Republic.
A Critical Introduction to Khomeini
Author: Arshin Adib-Moghaddam
Offering a balanced and analytical perspective, this book introduces readers to Imam Khomeini’s life and legacy through a critical lens.
It explores his jurisprudential, mystical, and political thought, situating them within Shi’a tradition and the revolutionary ideologies of the 20th century.
Designed for students, scholars, and general readers alike, it combines scholarly rigor with accessible insight.
Fateme Torkashvand is a Tehran-based journalist specializing in cultural affairs
