Ali Reza Zarrindast

In 2015 - Alireza Zarindast, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Dramatic Arts by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Iran. Alireza who was born in 1946 in Tabriz, in north of Iran - has made 106 films. Most of his films were made in Iran - however, he has also worked on projects outside Iran. The US, Egypt, Turkey, Italy and France are among some of the locations outside Iran - where has made movies. Alireza started working in the film industry at the age of 20 as a photographer and a camera operator. He shot his first film as a Director of Photography at the young age of 23. At the age of 30 - Alireza filmed one of Iran's most famous, popular and timelessly loved television series: Uncle Napoleon. Very early on - he developed a lighting style as well as filming techniques - which made him a household name and a force to be reckoned with. Alireza made the films: The Report, The Experience and the critically acclaimed Close Up with the late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. He also made the The Cyclist, The Nights of Zayandeh-Roud, The Marriage of the Blessed and The Peddler with the filmmaker, Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Alireza has won more than 15 domestic and international awards for best cinematography.