Early Years and Hardships: Abbas Kiarostami grew up in Tehran in a middle-class family. His father, Ahmad Kiarostami, was an amateur painter which influenced Abbas’s artistic sensibilities. From a young age, Kiarostami showed an interest in the arts. He studied painting at the University of Tehran and began working in advertising, where he honed his skills in graphic design and commercial filmmaking.
Career Beginnings: Kiarostami’s film career began in the late 1960s when he joined the Centre for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanun), where he made his first short films. His early work focused on children and social issues, establishing his unique narrative style.
Major Successes:
- “Close-Up” (1990): This film blurred the line between fiction and documentary, gaining critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling.
- “The Wind Will Carry Us” (1999): Another Cannes favorite, this film further showcased Kiarostami’s lyrical approach to cinema.
- “Certified Copy” (2010): Starring Juliette Binoche, this film marked Kiarostami’s venture into international filmmaking and was well-received.
Challenges and Later Years: Kiarostami faced several challenges, including restrictions imposed by the Iranian government on artistic expression. Despite these limitations, he continued to produce groundbreaking work. His later years saw him experimenting with digital video and exploring themes of reality and perception.
Real Name: Abbas Kiarostami
Date of Birth: June 22, 1940
Birth Place: Tehran, Iran
Residence: Tehran, Iran (later years spent internationally)
Profession: Film Director, Screenwriter, Photographer, Producer
Nationality: Iranian
Religion: Muslim
Father: Ahmad Kiarostami (painter and decorator)
Mother: Not widely documented
Horoscope: Cancer
Age: Passed away at 76 years old (1940-2016)
Height: 180 cm
Body Type: Slim
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black (grayed with age)