Talebi, Mohammad-Ali (born November 22, 1958, Tehran)

Mohammad-Ali Talebi is an Iranian director and screenwriter mostly known for his productions for children.

He earned a degree in dramatic arts from Tehran University. In 1977, he started out his career as a television assistant director and documentary maker.

One of his very first works was ‘City of Mice’ (1985). This children’s puppet series became highly popular.

His second TV series, ‘Primrose Flower’ (1991), starring Fatemeh Motamed Arya and Davoud Rashidi, also garnered him nationwide praise.

Although successful in TV productions, Talebi has mainly focused on making movies. His movies for children have been internationally praised.

He has made a few movies, such as ‘The Finish Line’ (1985), ‘The Wasteland’ (1988), ‘The Boots’ (1992), ‘Tick Tock’ (1992), ‘Willow & Wind’ (1998), ‘You Are Free’ (2000), and ‘The Wall’ (2007).

Talebi has won several domestic and international awards, including the Golden Gate Award from the 37th San Francisco International Film Festival, the Golden Elephant for Best Director from the International Children’s Film Festival in India, the Viewer’s Choice Award from the Vienna International Children’s Film Festival, and the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Film from the 8th Iran International Children’s Film Festival for ‘The Boots’.

He has also won Crystal Simorghs for Best Film and Best Screenwriter from the 12th International Fajr Film Festival for ‘Tick Tack’, as well as the Best Film Award from the 26th Lucas International Children’s Film Festival and the Golden Butterfly for Best Film from the 16th Iran International Children’s Film Festival for ‘You are Free.