Asghar Farhadi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Asghar Farhadi
Farhadi at the 2018 Stockholm International Film Festival
Born	(1972-05-07) 7 May 1972 (age 53) Homayoon Shahr, Isfahan province, Imperial State of Iran
Alma mater	University of Tehran Tarbiat Modares University
Occupation	Film director screenwriter film producer
Years active	1997–present
Notable work	About Elly (2009) A Separation (2011) The Past (2013) The Salesman (2016) Everybody Knows (2018) A Hero (2021)
Spouse(s)	Parisa Bakhtavar ​ (m. 1990)​
Children	2, including Sarina Farhadi

Asghar Farhadi (Persian: اصغر فرهادی; born 7 May 1972) is a famous Iranian film director and screenwriter. He is known as one of the most important filmmakers from Iran and around the world in the 21st century. His movies are special because they show real-life stories about people, families, and their everyday problems. In 2012, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people globally. He also received a special award from France called the Legion of Honour.

Farhadi started directing movies with Dancing in the Dust (2003). He became well-known for About Elly (2009), which won him the Silver Bear for Best Director. He is one of the few directors in the world to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film twice! He won for A Separation (2011) and The Salesman (2016). The Salesman also won an award at the Cannes Film Festival for its story.

His other popular films include The Past (2013), filmed in France, and Everybody Knows (2018), filmed in Spain. Farhadi's film A Hero (2021) won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Early Life and Education

Farhadi was born in Homayoon Shahr, a city near Isfahan, Iran. When he was 15, in 1987, he joined the Isfahan branch of the Iranian Youth Cinema Society. There, he made several short films. He later studied theater at the University of Tehran and Tarbiat Modares University. He earned degrees in dramatic arts and stage direction.

Farhadi's Film Career

Early Films and Recognition

Before making feature films, Farhadi created many short films. He also wrote plays and screenplays for Iranian TV. In 2003, he directed his first feature film, Dancing in the Dust. This movie is about a man trying to earn money for his marriage. Critics praised Farhadi as a rising filmmaker. The film won him awards at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival.

His next film was The Beautiful City (2004). It tells the story of a young man in a detention center. This movie was praised for showing the complexities of Iran's justice system. Farhadi won the Grand Prix at the Warsaw Film Festival for this film.

In 2006, Farhadi's third film, Fireworks Wednesday, won the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival. This film is set during the days before the Persian New Year. It explores a family dispute during the traditional fireworks celebrations.

International Breakthrough

Farhadi in 2009

In 2009, Farhadi directed About Elly. This film focuses on middle-class families in Iran. Critics loved it, calling it "absorbing" and "suspenseful." The film won Farhadi the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival. It also won Best Picture at the Tribeca Film Festival.

His film A Separation premiered in 2011 and quickly gained worldwide attention. It won the Golden Bear for best film at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. This made it the first Iranian film to win that award. Critics praised the film for showing a realistic picture of Iran.

On January 15, 2012, A Separation won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay. On February 26, 2012, A Separation became the first Iranian movie to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This was a huge moment for Iranian cinema.

Farhadi, Berenice Bejo and the cast of The Past at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival

In 2013, Farhadi released The Past, his first film in French. It starred Bérénice Bejo, who won the Best Actress Award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival for her role. The film was highly praised by critics. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

His 2016 film The Salesman also competed at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. It won two awards: Best Actor for Shahab Hosseini and Best Screenplay for Farhadi. The film is about a couple whose lives are turned upside down after an incident.

Farhadi at a press conference for The Salesman (2016)

On February 26, 2017, Farhadi won his second Oscar for The Salesman. This made him one of the few directors to win the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar twice. Farhadi chose not to attend the Oscar ceremony that year. He sent two prominent Iranian Americans, Anousheh Ansari and Firouz Naderi, to represent him. He explained that his absence was a protest against a travel ban that affected Iranians. He wanted to show respect for the people of his country and other nations affected by the ban. He shared a message about how films can help people understand each other and break down stereotypes.

Recent Works

Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Farhadi, and the cast of Everybody Knows at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival

In 2018, Farhadi directed Everybody Knows, a Spanish psychological thriller. It starred Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. The film premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Critics generally liked the film, especially the performances of the lead actors.

A Hero (2021) is Farhadi's ninth feature film. It tells a social story and was filmed in Iran. The film was chosen to represent Iranian cinema at the 94th Academy Awards. A Hero won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Themes in Farhadi's Films

Farhadi in a The Salesman's press conference. Taraneh Alidoosti on his right and Shahab Hosseini on his left.

Farhadi's films often show what life is like in modern Iran. They explore how different social classes, genders, and religious beliefs can create problems. For example, A Separation shows how everyday arguments can make characters think deeply about their choices.

His movies often highlight the class system in Iran. Farhadi shows the small details of daily life in Iran, focusing on how different viewpoints are shaped by society. He is known for his "open ending movies," which feel very realistic and make viewers think.

Farhadi's films often gently question some social rules in Iran. However, he has always shown his love for his country and its people. When he won his first Oscar for A Separation, he dedicated the award to the Iranian nation. When The Salesman won, he chose not to attend the ceremony to protest certain policies, showing his commitment to his country's values.

Influences

In 2012, Farhadi shared a list of his favorite films. These are movies that have inspired him:

Accusation of Plagiarism

In 2022, there were reports that Farhadi was accused of taking the idea for his film A Hero from a documentary made by a former film student. Farhadi denied these claims. In March 2024, an Iranian court found Farhadi not guilty of these plagiarism allegations.

Filmography

Feature Films

Television

Awards and Honors

Farhadi receiving Golden Peacock Award for his film Beautiful City, at IFFI (2004)

Farhadi is one of only a few directors who have won the Best Foreign Film Oscar more than once.

• A Separation won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2012. It was the first Iranian film to win this award.
• The Salesman won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2017. Farhadi did not attend the ceremony to protest certain policies.
• A Hero won the Hafez Award for Best Director and Best Screenplay in 2021.

Honors

• Legion of Honour from France (2012)
• Named one of Foreign Policy magazine's Top 100 Global Thinkers (2012)

See Also

In Spanish: Asghar Farhadi para niños

• Massoud Farasati
• Cinema of Iran
• Persian cinema