On October 14, the world of cinema was shocked by the sad news of the death of Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui, as well as his wife Vahida Mohammadifar. The two artists were found dead at their home near Tehran, victims of stab wounds to the neck.
Dariush Mehrjui, aged 83, was an emblematic figure of Iranian cinema. During his career spanning more than six decades, he has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his exceptional contributions as a director, producer and screenwriter. Despite the censorship he faced, both before and after the Islamic revolution of 1979, Mehrjui was able to make Iranian cinema shine with works such as “The Cow”, awarded at the Venice Film Festival in 1971.
His wife, Vahida Mohammadifar, aged 54, was also a talented artist, working as a screenwriter and set designer. The couple formed a dynamic creative team, contributing to numerous film projects that marked the Iranian film industry.
The double murder remains shrouded in mystery, as no arrests have yet been announced by Iranian authorities. However, reports of recent threats received by Vahida Mohammadifar and a burglary of their home were mentioned by relatives.
The news of Dariush Mehrjui’s death sent shock waves through the Iranian film community and beyond. The Minister of Culture, Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaïli, expressed his sadness and paid tribute to “one of the pioneers of Iranian cinema” and “a creator of eternal works”.
Dariush Mehrjui leaves behind a rich and varied cinematic legacy, having explored deep social and psychological themes in his films. His artistic vision and commitment to cinema have made him an icon of the Iranian film industry. His premature death represents an immense loss for the world of cinema and leaves a void that is difficult to fill.