🔗 Share this article Iranian Film Titan, Bahram Beyzai, Passes Away At the Age of 87 Bahram Beyzai (left) with his wife, actress Mozhdeh Shamsai Widespread homages are pouring in for the legendary Bahram Beyzai, a giant of Iranian cinema and theatre, who passed away at the age of 87 while residing in the United States. A Nation Mourns The front pages of Iranian newspapers mourn his loss, with opposition voices and those who reflect nostalgically on the Shah era also paying homage to Beyzai. "This loss is an immense tragedy for the cultural heritage of our country," remarked the exiled prince, son of the last Shah of Iran. Although Beyzai's later films were banned in the 1980s by the Islamic regime, a host of prominent officials in the present administration have also acknowledged his legacy to Persian arts. A Mentor to Filmmakers Many of the current crop of Persian directors have acknowledged their debt to him. Award-winning director Jaafar Panahi said that Beyzai taught them "how to stand up to oblivion." Beyzai avoided direct political references in his work, both as a playwright and a film director, and always said he tried not to trade in overt messages. But his work over countless years places archetypal characters in opposition with authoritarian religious and political systems. Roots in Tradition From a family of renowned poets, Beyzai was imbued in the richest heritage of Iranian artistry from birth. He first found fame as a theater writer, inspired by ancient myths and ceremonies. A lifelong fan of cinema, he moved into making films in the 1970s. He gained acclaim as one of the key figures in the groundbreaking movement of Iranian cinema. An Enduring Voice His most fruitful era spanned the time of the Shah and then the revolutionary government that overthrew him—with both systems ever ready to sniff out hidden messages that could be interpreted as criticism. "Beyzai did not choose the easy way. He withstood years of marginalization, enforced quiet, and exile, but he never abandoned his language and his convictions," stated Jaafar Panahi in his tribute. A Masterpiece Amidst Conflict A few years after the 1979 Revolution, he produced what many regard as his magnum opus, Bashu, the Little Stranger, about a young child who tries to take refuge from the devastating conflict. It was censored in Iran—as were other films he made in that time—but later voted by film critics as the greatest Iranian film of all time. The film was shown in a newly remastered print at this year's Venice Film Festival, winning an award for best film in the heritage category. A Hopeful Exile Beyzai finally left Iran in 2010 and lived out his final days in the US, where he lectured on Persian studies. Although he left his homeland, his wife, the actress Mozhdeh Shamsai, said just hearing the word "Iran" would still make him emotional—and he continued to hope for a renewed spirit and future for his homeland.