Portrait of Iranian makeup artist maestro Abdollah Eskandari

iFilm English website is set to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known figures of the Iranian entertainment industry, starting with the artistic profession that has the power to transform reality into cinematic dreams – makeup artistry.  

Each month, iFilm will delve into the intricacies of various artistic professions, celebrating the maestros who contribute their talents to the world of cinema.

We kick off this journey with Abdollah Eskandari, recognized as the father of makeup artists in Iran's cinema.

His remarkable career, spanning over seven decades, marks the starting point for iFilm's exploration of the diverse world of artistic expression.

Join us on this journey as we uncover the stories of these artistic talents.

In the Iranian cinema industry, one name stands out as the pioneering brushstroke behind the faces that grace the silver screen – Abdollah Eskandari, the undisputed father of Iran's makeup artists.

Eskandari started his makeup artistry journey in 1972 under the guidance of Bijan Mohtasham at the national television of Iran.

His rise in the industry is nothing short of legendary. Eskandari's excellence is evident not just in quantity – over 160 film and television projects – but also in the quality and innovation he brings to every project.

A five-time recipient of the Crystal Simorgh for the best makeup design at the Fajr Film Festival, Eskandari's genius shines through in every project he undertakes.

One of his achievements was during the 'Hezar Dastan' series (1979-1987). Even today, it stands as proof of his skill, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field of makeup artistry in Iran.

Eskandari's skill has brought numerous characters to Iranian cinema, including the iconic 'Mother' and 'Snowman' as well as 'Delshdegan', 'Nassereddin Shah, Film Actor', 'The Deer', 'Hive', 'Long Shadows of the Wind', ‘The Survivor’, ‘A Passenger to Rey’ and ‘The Fateful Day’.

One standout moment in his career is the project, 'The Mukhtar Narrative' made in 2011, where Eskandari's skills went beyond the big screen, captivating television audiences.

Apart from 'The Mukhtar Narrative', Eskandari contributed to 'Zero Degree Turn' in 2016. During this project, he collaborated with series director Hassan Fathi and artists including Shahab Hosseini, Nathalie Matti, Roya Teymourian, and Masoud Rayegan.

Looking back on his career, he sees the complex makeup design for Malek Ashtar in 'Imam Ali (AS)' as the most challenging yet rewarding part. Particularly, he regards Akbar Abdi's makeup in the movie ‘Mother’ as his best work.

In addition to being a makeup artist, Eskandari has showed his versatility in various roles such as a producer and special effects manager. Productions like ‘The Good, the Bad, the Corny’ and ‘Canary Yellow’ highlighted his skills as a producer, and his work on ‘Winter’ emphasized his expertise in special effects.

As we celebrate the illustrious career of Abdollah Eskandari, we extend our heartfelt wishes for many more years of creativity and success. May his artistry shine on in the world of cinema, creating a lasting legacy for aspiring makeup artists.

For Eskandari's page on imdb, click here. 

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