Abbas Kiarostami

Abbas Kiarostami (Persian: عباس کیارستمی; June 22, 1940 – July 4, 2016) was a renowned Iranian filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, photographer, and producer whose work left an indelible mark on world cinema. Beginning his filmmaking journey in the 1970s, Kiarostami crafted over forty films, including a mix of shorts and documentaries. He is particularly celebrated for the Koker trilogy (1987–1994), which showcases his distinctive narrative style, as well as critically lauded features like Close-Up (1990), The Wind Will Carry Us (1999), and Taste of Cherry (1997), the latter of which earned him the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Kiarostami's later films, including Certified Copy (2010) and Like Someone in Love (2012), marked his debut in international locations, filmed in Italy and Japan, respectively. His earlier works, such as Where Is the Friend's Home? (1987) and Close-Up, were recognized in a 2018 BBC Culture poll as among the 100 best foreign films. Additionally, Close-Up gained acclaim as one of the 50 greatest films in the 2012 Sight & Sound poll.

A pivotal figure in the Iranian New Wave, Kiarostami's storytelling often featured child protagonists and a documentary aesthetic, frequently set in rural landscapes or unfolding in vehicles. His films, rich with Persian poetry and philosophical themes, explored complex subjects such as life, death, change, and continuity, creating a unique blend of simplicity and profound depth.