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Deep Dive: Our Man in Tehran (2013)

Film Lens

Our Man in Tehran
Our Man in Tehran is a 2013 Canadian documentary that profiles Kenneth D. Taylor, who served as Canada's ambassador to Iran during the 1970s. The film focuses on Taylor's critical role in the escape of six American hostages during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-1980, a mission known as the Canadian Caper. It presents a detailed account of the diplomatic efforts and risks taken by Taylor and his team to secure the hostages' safe passage out of Iran. The documentary features interviews with several political and diplomatic figures, including Joe Clark and Flora MacDonald, who provide context and insights into the events surrounding the crisis. The film premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and later aired on The Movie Network, showcasing a blend of archival footage and personal narratives that illustrate the complexities of international diplomacy during a tense historical moment.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Kenneth D. Taylor, the Canadian ambassador in Iran.
  • •See the dramatic escape of six American hostages.
  • •Find out about the Canadian Caper operation.

Did You Know

•The film won five Canadian Screen Awards in 2015.
•Kenneth D. Taylor was Canada's ambassador to Iran in the 1970s.
•The documentary was adapted from Robert Wright's 2010 book.
•It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013.

Perfect For

Diplomatic historyIran hostage crisisCanadian political history