Iranian Silver Bear winner beats cancer

Reza Naji, the first Iranian actor who won the Silver Bear Award, has overcome cancer after undergoing medical treatment.

It was the second time that Naji had to fight colorectal cancer.

Fortunately, he could beat the disease after having a surgery and 12 cycles of chemotherapy.

Born in 1942, Naji dreamed of becoming an actor from an early age that made him take part in different Street Plays.

It was Majid Majidi’s acclaimed movie, ‘Children of Heaven’, which brought Naji nationwide fame and later he appeared in several movies, including ‘The Birth of a Butterfly’ and ‘Baran’.

In 2007, he starred in another one of Majidi’s films titled 'Song of Sparrows' and delivered an astonishing performance which brought him worldwide fame and won him several nominations and awards.

Nomination for best actor award at the first Iran Cinema Celebration for his 'Children of Heaven', nomination for best male actor in a supporting role at the 19th Fajr International Festival for 'Baran', juries special honor at the 22nd Fajr International Film Festival for 'Him' and the silver bear for best actor at the 58th Berlin Film Festival for 'Song of Sparrows' are among his achievements.

ifilm English Channel broadcasted some of the works he has appeared in such as ‘Children of Heaven’, ‘Kandelous Gardens’ and ‘Song of Sparrows’.

PR/MG