Born in Tehran in 1940, this acclaimed Iranian filmmaker began his career in graphic design and advertising before transitioning to cinema in the 1970s. Renowned for his minimalist style and philosophical narratives, he gained international recognition with works like "Close-Up" and the Koker Trilogy. His film "Taste of Cherry" won the Palme d'Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. Beyond directing, he was also a skilled photographer and poet, contributing significantly to the arts until his passing in 2016.