Nezamoddin Kiaie (born 1944 in Tehran – died February 6, 2026) was a prominent Iranian sound recordist and veteran figure in Iranian cinema and television. Widely known among filmmakers as “Uncle Nezam,” he was celebrated for his exceptional technical expertise, warm personality, distinctive humor, and unwavering commitment to his colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on the Iranian film industry.

 Life and Education

Nezamoddin Kiaie was born in Tehran in Bahman 1322 (February 1944). Details about his formal education are limited, but his passion for cinema began at a young age; he recalled his first cinematic experience watching the film Millionaire at six years old with his father, and living near actress Shela Riāhi (who starred in that film) drew him closer to the world of cinema from childhood. His career was primarily built through hands-on experience and fieldwork rather than formal academic training. He started his professional journey in television and later transitioned to feature films. In addition to his artistic work, he was deeply involved in guild activities, serving as president of the Iranian Sound Recordists Association and as a member of the House of Cinema board, where he played a key role in advancing the professional status and conditions of sound recordists.

 Career Activities

Kiaie began his professional career in television before moving into Iranian cinema. Over more than five decades, he worked as a sound recordist or sound department head on dozens of film and television projects. Beyond sound work, he occasionally appeared as an actor in films such as Lantouri, Pele Akhar (The Last Step), Mikhak-e Sefid (White Carnation), Jadeh Zarrin Samarqand (The Golden Road of Samarkand), and Hengameh, and even served as a set decorator in some productions. A hallmark of his presence on set was his ability to maintain group morale in challenging circumstances; colleagues remembered his long-standing friendships (such as a 50-year bond with director Abolhassan Davoudi) and his gift for infusing energy and laughter into teams, even during difficult shoots (including one in Germany). He was also a dedicated advocate for the sound profession through his union efforts.

 Works

Nezamoddin Kiaie contributed to numerous notable films, including:

– Nun va Goldoon (Bread and Flower Vase)

– Rokh-e Divaneh (Crazy Rook)

– Shami dar Bad (A Candle in the Wind)

– Del Shekasteh (Broken Heart)

– Chaharshanbe, Khoon be Pa Mikonad (Wednesday, Blood Will Rise)

– Narenji Push (The Orange Suit)

– Khaneh Kaghazi (Paper House)

– Boghz (Grudge)

– Soot-e Payan (Final Whistle)

– Bi Sayeh (Without Shadow)

– Che Khoobe Ke Bargashti (It’s Good to Be Back)

– Hezarpa (Centipede)

– Ashbah (Ghosts)

– Chehel Salegi (Forty Years Old)

– Raqs-e Khak (Dance of Dust)

– Do Farishte (Two Angels)

– Az Tehran ta Tehran (From Tehran to Tehran)

– Ghesseh-haye Kish (Tales of Kish – segment “Dar” / Door)

– And many other feature films and television productions.

 Awards and Achievements

– Winner of the Crystal Simorgh for Best Sound Recording at the 14th Fajr International Film Festival (1996 / 1374) for Nun va Goldoon (directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf).

– Nominee for Best Sound Recording at the 22nd Fajr International Film Festival (2004 / 1382) for A Candle in the Wind.

– Nominee for Best Sound Recording at the 8th Iranian Cinema Celebration (House of Cinema, 2005 / 1383) for A Candle in the Wind.

– He received multiple other nominations for the Crystal Simorgh and was widely regarded as one of the most honorable and influential behind-the-scenes figures in Iranian cinema due to his skill and ethical professionalism.

Nezamoddin Kiaie passed away on February 6, 2026 (17 Bahman 1404), after battling an illness. His funeral was held on February 8, 2026 (19 Bahman), with burial in the Artists’ Section of Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery in Tehran, attended by numerous filmmakers and colleagues. Tributes highlighted his mentorship, kindness, and irreplaceable spirit. He will be fondly remembered for his mastery of sound and his profound humanity in Iranian cinema. May his soul rest in peace.