Mahmoud Kalari, a celebrated and accomplished photographer, entered the world on April 30, 1951, in the bustling metropolis of Tehran, Iran, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. As a young and ambitious individual with a passion for photography, Kalari made the bold decision to further hone his skills by enrolling in photography courses in the United States, a country famous for its cutting-edge photography industry and esteemed institutions of higher learning.
Following the successful culmination of his academic pursuits, Kalari took the initial steps towards establishing himself as a renowned photographer by hosting his inaugural photo exhibition, aptly christened "Visit with People Around Us", at the esteemed Tehran University in the year 1976. This pivotal event served as the genesis of his illustrious and distinguished career as a photographer, setting the stage for a lifetime of creative endeavors and artistic achievements.
Kalari's professional journey commenced in the year 1982, as he took on the esteemed position of supervisor for the renowned Tehran National TV Photography Unit, simultaneously fulfilling the role of guest professor of photojournalism at the revered Tehran University, thereby laying the foundation for a career that would span the realms of film and photography.
Notable Iranian cinematographer, renowned for his impressive filmography of over 65 titles, which eloquently showcases his remarkable talent and versatility behind the camera, captivating audiences with his masterful storytelling and visual flair.
His extensive body of work, a testament to his dedication and expertise, includes critically acclaimed films such as The Lead, a gripping drama that explores the complexities of human relationships; Reyhaneh, a poignant portrayal of love and loss; Nobat e Asheghi, a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition; From Karkheh to Rein, a poignant and introspective journey; Sara, a heartwarming tale of love and friendship; Hello Cinema, a vibrant celebration of the art of filmmaking; Gabbeh, a stunning visual feast; Leila, a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human experience; The Pear Tree, a poignant and introspective drama; and The Wind Will Carry Us, a critically acclaimed and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Throughout the entirety of his remarkable and illustrious career, he has accumulated a multitude of accolades and nominations, thereby further solidifying his reputation as a maestro of his craft, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion.
One of his most notable and impressive achievements is the prestigious and highly coveted Best Cinematography award he received at the esteemed and renowned Fajr International Film Festival, a ceremony that is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and respected in the industry.
Furthermore, he was honored with the coveted and highly sought-after Fujifilm Motion Picture Award, a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication to his craft, and unwavering commitment to excellence, a recognition that is a hallmark of his impressive and storied career.
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Kalari embarked on a groundbreaking directorial journey with the inception of "The Cloud and the Rising Sun", a cinematic triumph that not only demonstrated his exceptional writing skills but also showcased his mastery as a cinematographer. This outstanding achievement was subsequently showcased at the illustrious Montreal Film Festival and the distinguished Chicago Film Festival, garnering widespread critical acclaim in the process.
Kalari's illustrious professional trajectory has been distinguished by a multitude of remarkable achievements, with a particular highlight being his esteemed appointment as a jury panelist for the highly respected Poland Film Festival, a testament to his exceptional reputation within the industry.
Furthermore, his extensive and diverse expertise has enabled him to undertake a series of workshops in various cities throughout Iran, thereby sharing his in-depth knowledge of cinematography with aspiring filmmakers, thereby fostering a new generation of talented professionals.
Kalari's remarkable career has been marked by the privilege of collaborating with an impressive array of esteemed Iranian directors, each bringing their unique vision to the forefront of the film industry. His exceptional cinematography skills have played a pivotal role in bringing these visionary projects to life, earning him a reputation as a master of his craft. Among the most renowned directors Kalari has had the opportunity to work with are the celebrated Masud Kimiai, whose contributions to Iranian cinema are unparalleled; the acclaimed Ali Hatami, known for his innovative storytelling and cinematic style; the groundbreaking Dariush Mehrjui, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of the medium; the influential Mohsen Makhmalbaf, whose films have garnered international acclaim; the critically acclaimed Abbas Kiarostami, whose work has been recognized and celebrated worldwide; the award-winning Majid Majidi, whose films have captivated audiences globally; and the Oscar-winning Asghar Farhadi, whose cinematic masterpieces have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Kalari's unwavering commitment to his craft is a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection, as he persistently strives to elevate his skills, continually honing his craft through a dual approach of creative expression and pedagogical sharing.
