Remembering Morteza Pour-Samadi: a cinematic visionary

On September 2, 2023, Iran’s cinema bid farewell to one of its most distinguished talents, Morteza Pour-Samadi, who passed away at the age of 70.

Samadi’s life and work have left a significant mark on the Iranian film industry, photography, and the hearts of those who admire his creativity.

Born on October 10, 1952, in the picturesque city of Hamedan, Pour-Samadi's journey through the world of visual storytelling began at the School of Television and Cinema, where he graduated with a degree in cinematography.

His name is synonymous with excellence in Iranian cinema, and his portfolio boasted a rich collection of cinematic and documentary productions.

From ‘Gilaneh’ to ‘Aghlema’, ‘Nightly’ to ‘Identity’, and ‘Like a Tale’ to ‘Green Fire’, his lens captured stories that resonated with audiences.

He was also an internationally recognized photographer and artist whose works found homes in galleries, universities, and art circles in countries as diverse as Sweden, France, and Canada.

Pour-Samadi was not content with merely capturing moments on movies; he was a pioneer in the realm of documentary cinema. His collaborations with some of the most influential contemporary documentarians bore witness to his passion for shedding light on the untold stories of the world.

He was actively engaged in filming the series ‘The Sin of an Angel’ when he suddenly experienced dizziness and a loss of consciousness. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he ultimately succumbed to death.

Television series like ‘The Prize of Fear’, ‘Zero Degree Turn’, and ‘Perplexity’ are also a testament to Pour-Samadi’s commitment to his craft.

Throughout his career, Pour-Samadi received numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding cinematography. Among them are the Crystal Simorgh for Best Cinematography at the 27th Fajr Film Festival, Best Cinematography award at the Roshd Film Festival, and recognition at the Children and Youth Film Festival.

His contributions were also celebrated at the 13th Cinema Verite Festival.

Pour-Samadi's passing is a profound loss to the world of cinema and art, but his legacy will live on through his extraordinary body of work.

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