Mohsen Makhmalbaf

Mohsen Makhmalbaf, born in Tehran in 1957, emerged as a central figure in Iranian cinema through a career that encompasses over 20 feature films and extensive international recognition. His work traverses diverse genres, shifting from the revolutionary art of his early post-imprisonment period to the realist, fantasy, and surrealist narratives that characterize his later creative output.

Early Life and Political Involvement

At age 15, Makhmalbaf joined a militant group opposing the rule of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Two years later, he was arrested for stabbing a police officer and received a death sentence. He served five years in prison before his release in the aftermath of the revolution, an experience that influenced his early screenwriting, including the 1985 film Boycott, which depicts a man facing execution for communist affiliations.

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Transition to Cinema

After his release, he shifted his focus toward film. His directorial debut, Tobeh Nosuh, followed in 1983. During the decade following the revolution, his professional contributions often aligned with the state's cultural atmosphere. This period included his involvement in protests against pre-revolutionary actors, which led to the banning of the 1982 film The Imperilled. By 1987, he had directed The Cyclist, a film focusing on the plight of an Afghan refugee, marking his interest in social commentary.

International Recognition and Artistic Evolution

Makhmalbaf achieved global prominence with works such as The Cyclist and the 2001 film Kandahar, which Time included in its list of top 100 films of all time. His creative process is notable for its variation; Time of Love, released in 1991, presented a romantic narrative through three distinct variations. His 1996 film Gabbeh explored the non-linear, dreamlike storytelling of the nomadic Ghashghai people. In 1996, he established the Makhmalbaf Film House, a school and production hub that facilitated the careers of his wife, Marzieh Meshkini, and his daughter, Samira Makhmalbaf.

Exile and Recent Work

In 2005, following the election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Makhmalbaf left Iran. He has resided in Paris since the 2009 presidential election. Throughout his career, he has served as a juror for more than 15 major film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival in 2006. His recent projects include the documentary The Gardener and the feature film The President, as his work continues to be presented at international festivals.