Since its completion nearly a decade ago, "The Paternal House" has been surrounded by controversy. The film was directed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Kianoush Ayyari, who is known for his explicit realism.

Set in a traditional house in Tehran, Ayyari's drama chronicles 70 years in the life of a family ruled by strict patriarchy, and how the curse of an honor killing haunts one generation after another. The climax is the murder of a female character by her father and brother, who dump the body in the basement, which serves as a horrifying symbolic spot for a suicide and a deadly stroke years later, both triggered by the original killing.

In the official trailer, a female character is heard speaking of the "blood that is unjustly shed" and how its omen may continue until "doomsday." During the 100-minute portrayal, the 68-year-old director questions what he deems a dangerous traditional order that has thrust the Iranian woman into endless anguish.

It took the producers of the "The Paternal House" more than four years to receive an official permit for public screening. But the 2015 debut proved short-lived. On the first day, the movie was taken off the silver screen.