Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami turns his lens toward the lives of young schoolchildren in Tehran. Through a series of candid interviews with students filmed in 1988, Kiarostami explores the pressures and challenges they face in completing their homework. This documentary delves into the educational system, societal expectations, and familial relationships in Iran, revealing their profound impact on the children's lives. Kiarostami's empathetic approach allows the young subjects to express their frustrations, fears, and aspirations, offering viewers an unfiltered glimpse into their world.

In Homework (1989), the family unit emerges as a central theme, intricately woven into the narrative through the experiences of the children. By focusing on the intimate and often tender interactions between children and their families, the film offers a nuanced exploration of the pivotal role family plays in shaping the educational experiences and emotional well-being of young students.

Abbas Kiarostami (1940–2016) was a filmmaker, photographer, and poet renowned for his innovative storytelling and poetic realism. With a career that spanned more than four decades, Kiarostami directed acclaimed films such as Close-Up (1990), Taste of Cherry (1997), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and Certified Copy (2010). His work is celebrated for its profound humanism, minimalist style, and exploration of life's philosophical questions. Kiarostami received numerous awards, including the Akira Kurosawa Award for lifetime achievement at the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2000. His legacy endures as a pivotal figure in cinema, continually inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike.