Famous Iranian Directors

Abbas Kiarostami was a highly acclaimed Iranian film director, screenwriter, poet, photographer, and film producer known for his innovative and influential contributions to cinema. With over forty films to his credit, he achieved critical acclaim for works such as the Koker trilogy, Close-Up, The Wind Will Carry Us, and Taste of Cherry. Kiarostami's unique style often featured child protagonists, rural settings, and poetic dialogue, blending fiction and documentary elements to explore themes of change, continuity, life, and death. He was a key figure in the Iranian New Wave cinema movement, emphasizing allegorical storytelling and philosophical issues.

Asghar Farhadi is an Iranian film director and screenwriter renowned for his impactful storytelling and focus on the human condition. He has established himself as a leading figure in both Iranian and world cinema through his intimate portrayals of family conflicts and complex moral dilemmas. Farhadi has been honored with prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. His works have garnered critical acclaim globally, with films like "A Separation" and "The Salesman" standing out for their profound narratives and compelling characters.

Desiree Akhavan is an American filmmaker, writer, and actress known for her work in both film and television. She gained recognition for her feature film debut, "Appropriate Behavior," in 2014, and later received critical acclaim for her 2018 film "The Miseducation of Cameron Post." In addition to her directorial work, Akhavan has also appeared in the found footage horror film "Creep 2." Her career showcases a diverse range of talents and a commitment to telling compelling stories through her work in the entertainment industry.

Majid Majidi is a renowned Iranian filmmaker and producer known for his diverse themes and genres in cinema. Throughout his career, Majidi has received acclaim for his work, winning numerous international awards for his impactful storytelling and unique cinematic style. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the film industry, with a filmography that showcases his versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Majidi's contributions to cinema have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential filmmaker on the global stage.

Hossein Amini is an accomplished Iranian-born British screenwriter and film director. He began his career as a screenwriter in the early 1990s and has since garnered critical acclaim for his work. Notable achievements include receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay for the film The Wings of the Dove in 1997. Amini also won a "Best Adapted Screenplay" award from the Austin Film Critics Association for his screenplay adaptation of Drive in 2011. In addition to his successful screenwriting career, Amini made his directorial debut with The Two Faces of January, an adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel.

Mohammad-Ali Fardin was a prominent Iranian actor, film director, and freestyle wrestler who gained fame for portraying masculinity and chivalry in Persian cinema. He started his film career in the late 1950s and became a major star in Iranian cinema for two decades from the 1960s onwards. Fardin was the undisputed box office champion of his era, captivating millions of viewers during his 25-year career. Known for his iconic roles, he acted in the most popular movies of the year in Iranian cinema between 1961 and 1976. Additionally, Fardin was active in wrestling, winning a silver medal in the 1954 World Championship.

Ali Hatami was a prominent figure in Iranian cinema, known for his work as a film director, screenwriter, art director, and costume designer. His films were praised for their poetic ambiance, earning him the nickname "the Hafez of Iranian cinema" by the Tehran Times. Throughout his career, Hatami contributed significantly to the Iranian film industry, leaving a lasting impact with his artistic vision and storytelling. His diverse talents and creative approach made him a respected and influential figure in the world of cinema.

Bahman Ghobadi is an acclaimed Iranian Kurdish film director, producer, and writer recognized for his contributions to the "new wave" of Iranian cinema. He is known for his unique storytelling style and skillful portrayal of social and political issues in his films. Ghobadi has received international acclaim for his work, winning numerous awards and accolades for his impactful storytelling and cinematic vision. With a focus on shedding light on the Kurdish experience and cultural identity, Ghobadi continues to be a significant figure in the world of cinema.

Niki Karimi is a respected Iranian actress and filmmaker known for her significant contributions to post-Islamic Revolution Iranian Cinema. She has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Crystal Simorgh, three Hafez Awards, an Iran Cinema Celebration Award, and three Iran's Film Critics and Writers Association Awards. Karimi's career took off in the late 1980s, with a standout performance in the film Sara (1992), earning her the best actress award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Susan Taslimi is a versatile Iranian artist with a successful career in acting, film directing, theatre directing, and screenwriting. After emigrating from Iran in 1987, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, particularly in Sweden where she currently resides and works. Throughout her professional life, Susan Taslimi has showcased her talent and creativity through various mediums, earning recognition for her contributions to both the stage and screen.

Rosie Malek-Yonan is an Assyrian-American actress, author, director, public figure, and activist. She gained recognition as a talented pianist at a young age and later pursued a career in music and dramatic arts. With a degree from the University of Cambridge, she established herself in the United States, appearing in over 30 films and television series, including notable works like Up Close & Personal and Rendition. Malek-Yonan is also a celebrated author, known for her historical novel The Crimson Field, which focuses on the Assyrian genocide during World War I.

Kambuzia Partovi was an accomplished Iranian film director and screenwriter known for his significant contributions to the Iranian cinema industry. His career spanned several decades, during which he worked on various projects that showcased his talent and creativity. Partovi's work was praised for its unique storytelling, captivating visuals, and deep emotional impact. He was a respected figure in the film community, both in Iran and internationally, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers around the world.

Khosrow Sinai was a multi-talented Iranian professional known for his work as a film director, screenwriter, composer, poet, and scholar. His filmmaking style was heavily influenced by documentaries, with a focus on social and artistic themes. One of his most acclaimed works, "Bride of Fire," garnered numerous awards at both domestic and international film festivals. Sinai made history as the first Iranian director to win an international prize post-revolution. Additionally, he was honored with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for his contributions to the film industry.

Jafar Panahi is an Iranian film director, screenwriter, and film editor known for his association with the Iranian New Wave film movement. He gained international recognition with his debut feature film, The White Balloon, which won the Caméra d'Or at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. Despite facing bans and conflicts with the Iranian government over the content of his films, Panahi continued to receive acclaim and awards for his humanistic portrayals of life in Iran, particularly focusing on the struggles of children, the impoverished, and women.

Kheiron is a versatile talent in the entertainment industry, excelling as a comedian, actor, and film director. He gained international recognition for his work as the director and lead actor in the critically acclaimed film "All Three of Us," which received a César Award nomination. His follow-up film, "Bad Seeds," was also well-received and reached audiences in English-speaking countries through Netflix. Kheiron's success is a testament to his skill and creativity in both filmmaking and performance, solidifying his reputation as a talented and respected figure in the industry.

Karim Akbari Mobarakeh was an Iranian actor and film director recognized for his memorable roles in various film and television productions. He gained fame for his portrayal of Abd-al-Rahman ibn Muljam in the Imam Ali series and Ahmar ibn Shomait in Mokhtarnameh. Mobarakeh's talent and dedication to his craft made him a respected figure in the Iranian entertainment industry. His contributions to acting and directing left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow professionals alike.