Kianoush Ayari Information 4

Kianoush Ayari, a prominent Iranian director, writer, and producer, was born on May 14, 1951, in Ahvaz, Iran. He is recognized as one of the most distinguished figures in Iranian cinema, known for his sharp perspective, social concerns, and unique style, which have contributed to the creation of valuable works in both cinema and television.

Ayari began his artistic career in the early 1970s by making 8mm films. His first experiences mainly consisted of short films and experimental documentaries, showcasing his interest and talent in telling realistic stories. In the 1980s, he directed his first feature film, Beyond the Devil’s Horn (1984), which was well-received by critics and established his talent early in his career.

Kianoush Ayari rose to fame in Iranian cinema by creating films like The Phantom of the Scorpion (1986) and Beyond the Fire (1987). In The Phantom of the Scorpion, he employed an innovative approach, incorporating elements of suspense and thrill, which was highly praised at the time. Beyond the Fire became one of his most acclaimed works, solidifying his place in Iranian cinema.

In the 1990s, Ayari directed To Be or Not to Be (1998), a significant film addressing social and medical issues, particularly the topic of heart transplants and the associated ethical and social dilemmas. This film is considered one of the finest examples of Iranian cinema’s engagement with realism and humanistic concerns.

In the 2000s, Ayari made Wake Up, Arezoo! (2005), a film based on the tragic Bam earthquake. Through a humanistic and realistic lens, the film portrayed the suffering and hardships of the people affected by the natural disaster, receiving widespread acclaim from audiences and critics. Following this, Ayari directed The Paternal House (2012), another controversial work that dealt with sensitive social and cultural issues. Due to its provocative content, the film faced challenges in screening and was banned for several years.

Throughout his artistic career, Kianoush Ayari has received numerous awards from both national and international festivals. Besides his work in filmmaking, he has also been active as a writer and producer, consistently striving to depict the problems and issues facing Iranian society through his critical and profound viewpoint.

One of the most notable features of Ayari’s cinema is his realism, his meticulous attention to detail, and his portrayal of everyday life and the concerns of ordinary people. By adopting a documentary-like approach in his films, he has managed to present an authentic and tangible picture of Iranian society. His simple, unembellished, and sometimes harsh storytelling style has allowed audiences to deeply connect with his narratives and characters.

Movies:

• Taze-nafas-ha (1979)
• Tanooreyeh Div (1985)
• The Spirit of Scorpion (1986)
• The Grand Day (1988)
• Beyond the Fire (1990)
• Two Halves of an Apple (1991)
• The Abadanis (1993)
• Cow’s Horn (1995)
• To Be or Not to Be (1998)
• Iranian Spread (2002)
• Wake up, Arezoo! (2004)
• The Paternal House (2012)
• Canape’ (2016)

TV Series:

• Thousand Eyes (2003)
• Roozegar-e Gharib (2007)