Hossein Zandbaf
Biography
Hossein Zandbaf, born on April 13, 1946, in Sari, Iran, is a distinguished Iranian film editor, director, and producer. He began his cinematic journey in 1971 as an actor in the film Delavaran-e Kouche-ye Delgosha directed by Hassan Hedayat. He is the younger brother of Hassan Zandbaf, a renowned film composer. Hossein Zandbaf has earned critical acclaim, winning the Crystal Simorgh for Best Editing at the Fajr Film Festival for his work on films such as White Death, Bus, Devil’s Eye, and Attack on H3.
Professional Career
Zandbaf’s career spans over five decades, during which he has made significant contributions to Iranian cinema as an editor, director, and producer. His entry into professional cinema began in 1971 as an assistant director for the film Aziz Gharati under the direction of Javad Taheri. His education at the Advanced School of Cinema and Television, sparked by a newspaper advertisement, laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Film Editing
Zandbaf is best known for his work as a film editor, having edited over 60 films and television series. His notable editing credits include:
– From Karkheh to Rhein (1992)
– The Lizard (2004)
– The Scent of Joseph’s Shirt (1995)
– Hiva (1998)
– Mohajer (1989)
– Prophet Joseph (TV series)
The year 2004 was particularly prolific for Zandbaf, as he edited three significant films: The Lizard, Butterfly in the Wind, and Hiyam. His work on The Lizard is especially noteworthy, showcasing his mastery in pacing and storytelling through editing.
Directing
As a director, Zandbaf has helmed several films, including:
– Mission (1986)
– Enigma (1986)
– White Death (1983)
– Hand of Satan (1981)
Producing
Zandbaf has also made his mark as a producer, with credits including:
– Mother Tongue (2010)
– Bright Nights (2002)
– Deserted Station (2001)
– Mummy 3 (1999)
– Countdown (1997)
– The Journey (1994)
Additionally, he served as an executive producer for films such as Rebellion and Demrel.
Awards and Achievements
Hossein Zandbaf is a four-time winner of the Crystal Simorgh for Best Editing at the Fajr Film Festival, a testament to his skill and influence in Iranian cinema. His awards include:
– 1983: Best Editing for White Death (2nd Fajr Film Festival)
– 1985: Best Editing for Bus (4th Fajr Film Festival)
– 1987: Best Editing for Station (6th Fajr Film Festival)
– 1993: Best Editing for Devil’s Eye (12th Fajr Film Festival)
– 1994: Best Editing for Attack on H3 (13th Fajr Film Festival)
These accolades highlight his consistent excellence in the craft of editing. Zandbaf has also been honored with the First-Class Artistic Badge and became a member of the Institute of Veteran Artists in March 2017.
Collaborations and Impact
Throughout his career, Zandbaf has collaborated with prominent Iranian filmmakers, contributing to iconic films such as From Karkheh to Rhein, Tornado, Exiles, Gray City, Savalan, Psycho, and Attack on H3. His editing work has been integral to the success of these films, both commercially and artistically. His ability to work closely with directors and bring their visions to life has made him a respected figure in the industry.
Video Index
Chapters:
- Life and Education
- Start of Professional Career
- Selected Directorial Works
- Collaboration with Yadollah Samadi
- Collaboration with Hassan Hedayat
- Collaboration with Kamal Tabrizi
- Collaboration with Dariush Farhang
- Collaboration with Other Filmmakers
- Selected Television Series Works
- On Ali Hatami
- Experiences and Work Methods
– Interaction with Other Colleagues
– The Sweetest Moments of Professional Career
– The Impact of Artistic Activity on Life’s Course
– Balancing Personal and Professional Life
– Challenges at the Start of the Professional Path
– Influential Films and Editors
– Professional Relationship with Directors
– Editing a Film: From Idea to Execution
– The Reason for Starting to Produce
– Favorite Iranian Films
– The Greatest Challenge
– The Key to Perseverance in the Professional Path
– Relationship with Cinema
- Cinema
– Censorship
– Job Security for Filmmakers
– Differences Among the Last Three Generations of Iranian Filmmakers
– Editing: Art or Technique
– Characteristics of a Lasting Artistic Work
– The Mission of Cinema
– Cinema and Literature
– Professional Rights of Filmmakers
– The Public’s Viewing Habits and Audience Taste
– Prestigious Cinema
– Factors Threatening Iranian Cinema
– The Social Responsibility of the Artist
– Digital Cinema
- The Audience’s Impact on Works
– Feedback from Exhibiting Works
– The State of Criticism in Iranian Cinema
- Personal Worldview
– Relationship with Other Arts
– Love and Happiness
– Contemplation of Death
– Self-Description
– Greatest Hope and Aspiration
Personal Information
- Birthday: April 13, 1946
- Birthplace: Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
- Interview date: 19.02.2018- 26.02.2018
Editor, Director, and Producer
