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| Abbas Kiarostami Photo: Pedro J Pacheco |
Acclaimed Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami has died, it was revealed today. The 76 year old auteur, who won the Palme d'Or in 1997 for Taste Of Cherry, had been undergoing treatment fo gastrointestinal cancer in a Paris hospital.
Unlike many of his peers, Kiarostami remained in Iran fter the revolution, endearing himself to its people as he strove to help it develop a unique approach to cinema. He won acclaim for Works like The Wind Will Carry Us and Life, And Nothing More and Shirin, and enjoyed a second career as a producer, helping to launch Jafar Panahi's carer with The White Balloon. His last two films, however, were made abroad - Certified Copy in Italy and Like Someone In Love in Japan.
"Abbas Kiarostami's deep and unique view on life and his call to human beings for peace and friendship will remain a lasting achievement," said Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. The country he loved will hold a minute's silence for him tonight.
