Abbas Kiarostami

Abbas Kiarostami (1940-2016) was a highly influential Iranian filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, photographer, and painter, known for his unique and captivating cinematic style. He is considered one of the most prominent figures in the Iranian New Wave cinema movement.

Key Aspects of Kiarostami's Work:

• Blending of Fiction and Documentary: Kiarostami's films often blur the lines between fiction and reality, creating a sense of naturalism and spontaneity.
• Minimalist Aesthetic: He employed minimalist techniques in his filmmaking, focusing on essential elements to enhance the impact of his stories.
• Humanist Themes: His films explored universal themes such as life, death, existence, isolation, solidarity, and the human condition.
• Poetic Imagery and Dialogue: Kiarostami's work is characterized by poetic lyricism and often incorporates contemporary Iranian poetry, creating a deep connection between the films and Persian art and philosophy.
• Focus on Children and Everyday Life: He frequently used child protagonists and told stories centered on the everyday lives and struggles of ordinary people in Iran. 

Notable Films:

• The Koker Trilogy: Where Is the Friend's House? (1987), And Life Goes On (1992), and Through the Olive Trees (1994) are interconnected films that explore themes of life, death, and resilience, particularly in the context of the 1990 Manjil-Rudbar earthquake.
• Close-Up (1990): A docufiction that tells the true story of a man who impersonated filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, delving into themes of identity and morality.
• Taste of Cherry (1997): Awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this film follows a man determined to commit suicide, raising questions about morality and compassion.
• The Wind Will Carry Us (1999): Explores the themes of gender equality and progress through the journey of a stranger in a remote Kurdish village.
• Certified Copy (2010): Kiarostami's first film shot outside of Iran, featuring Juliette Binoche in a story of a puzzling encounter between a British man and a French woman. 

Impact and Recognition:

• Kiarostami is widely considered one of the most influential Iranian filmmakers.
• His films have been championed by renowned directors such as Akira Kurosawa, Walter Salles, and Martin Scorsese.
• He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.
• He is recognized for bringing Iranian cinema to international attention and expanding its artistic boundaries.