About Ahmad Kiarostami

Family Legacy and Abbas Kiarostami's Homage

Ahmad Kiarostami serves as president of the Kiarostami Foundation, a San Francisco-based non-profit focused on his father Abbas Kiarostami's legacy.[12] He presented a retrospective of twelve films, including '10 on Ten' (2004), '24 Frames' (2017), and 'Certified Copy' (2010), at the 44th Bergamo Film Meeting on the tenth anniversary of Abbas's passing.[1][2] Interviews with Criterion Collection cover the Koker Trilogy and '24 Frames,' highlighting Abbas's contributions to Iran's nouvelle vague.[3]

Music Videos and Artistic Production

Kiarostami has produced and directed music videos such as 'History' for Migrain Sq.'s 'Madame Buttercry' album, 'Kind of Persian' for Nima M. (based on Arash Tebbi's song, shot in San Diego and Irvine), and 'Sorrow' for Abdi Behravanfar.[4][5][6] These works demonstrate his hands-on role in music and visual arts, produced under his own name.[5]

Iranian Documentary Advocacy (Docunight)

Founder of Docunight, Kiarostami promotes Iranian documentaries, quoting Patricio Guzmán: 'A country without documentaries is like a family without a photo album.'[7] He discussed their importance with critic Godfrey Cheshire at Asia Society events.[10][17] This initiative underscores his commitment to documentary filmmaking as cultural preservation.[7]

Professional Background in Cinema and Tech

With 20 years in cinema and software, Kiarostami held leadership roles at Microsoft Middle East before co-founding ventures and leading the Kiarostami Foundation.[8][12] In 'You can find America in any supermarket,' he reflects on cross-cultural experiences in these industries.[8]

Cultural and Social Commentary

In 'Comfortably Numb,' presented at Stanford's 'Iran: Cultural Renaissance?' panel, he explores Iranian cultural dynamics.[9] An Iranian.com interview, 'Watch out, here they come!,' addresses personal and cultural identity.[11] Recent news coverage notes his response to Iranian state narratives following airstrike damage to his father's Tehran home.[15][16][19][20][21][22]

Interviews and Public Engagements

Featured in FRED Film Radio at Bergamo Film Meeting[1][2] and Criterion discussions.[3] News mentions include Telluride Film Festival contexts and Asia Society events tied to Abbas's 'Where is the Friend's House?'[13][14]

Recent Events and News

Kiarostami publicly countered Iran's use of his father's damaged home for war propaganda, as reported by The New York Times.[22] Coverage of Criterion releases of Abbas's early works ties back to his advocacy.[18]