🔗 Share this article Iranian Film Titan, Beyzai, Passes Away At the Age of 87 Beyzai pictured alongside his spouse, the actress Mozhdeh Shamsai Widespread homages have been shared for the legendary Bahram Beyzai, a colossus of Persian film and stage, who has died aged 87 in the US. A Nation Mourns The front pages of Iranian newspapers mourn his loss, with dissenting figures and those who reflect nostalgically on the pre-revolution period also offering their respects 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 senior figures in the present administration have also acknowledged his legacy to Iranian culture. The Teacher of a Generation Many of the contemporary generation of Iranian filmmakers have expressed their gratitude to him. Jaafar Panahi said that Beyzai taught them "the way to resist oblivion." Beyzai avoided direct political references in his work, both as a playwright and a cinematic auteur, and always said he tried not to deal in explicit commentary. But his oeuvre over countless years places historical, even mythic figures in conflict with authoritarian religious and political systems. Roots in Tradition Hailing from a lineage of celebrated poets, Beyzai was steeped in the richest heritage of Persian culture from birth. He first found fame as a playwright, inspired by ancient myths and ceremonies. A devotee of cinema, he moved into filmmaking in the 1970s. He gained acclaim as one of the key figures in the groundbreaking movement of Persian film. Navigating Censorship His most productive period spanned the time of the Shah and then the Islamic theocratic forces that overthrew him—with both systems constantly poised to detect hidden messages that could be interpreted as dissent. "Beyzai never opted for the easy way. He withstood years of exclusion, enforced quiet, and exile, but he did not give up his language and his convictions," said Jaafar Panahi in his tribute. A Masterpiece Amidst Conflict A few years after the Iranian Revolution, he produced what many consider his masterpiece, Bashu, the Little Stranger, about a small boy who tries to take refuge from the devastating conflict. It was banned in Iran—as were subsequent works he made in that time—but later chosen by critics as the best Iranian film of all time. The film was screened in a restored version at this year's Venice Film Festival, winning an award for best film in the heritage category. A Hopeful Exile Beyzai ultimately departed Iran in 2010 and spent his later years in the US, where he taught Persian studies. Although he left his homeland, his wife, the actress Shamsai, said just the sound of the word "Iran" would still make him emotional—and he continued to hope for a renewed spirit and tomorrow for his native land.