Jafar Vali

Jafar Vali

Actor

Active: 1969

About Jafar Vali

Jafar Vali was an Iranian actor who appeared in the landmark 1969 film 'The Cow' (Gāv), directed by Dariush Mehrjui. This film is widely considered one of the most important works in Iranian cinema history and helped launch the Iranian New Wave movement. Unfortunately, very little documented information is available about Jafar Vali's life and career beyond his appearance in this seminal film. Given that his known filmography spans only the year 1969, it appears this may have been either his only film role or one of very few performances. His contribution to 'The Cow' places him within the context of a revolutionary period in Iranian filmmaking that would later gain international recognition.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Cow' (1969), one of the most influential films in Iranian cinema history

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • The Cow (1969)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Dariush Mehrjui (director)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Jafar Vali's contribution to 'The Cow' places him within the context of the Iranian New Wave cinema movement that revolutionized filmmaking in Iran during the late 1960s and early 1970s. This movement brought Iranian cinema to international attention and influenced generations of filmmakers. While his role may have been minor, being part of such a seminal work connects him to this important cultural and artistic transformation in Iranian cinema history.

Lasting Legacy

Due to the limited documentation of his career, Jafar Vali's legacy remains primarily tied to his participation in 'The Cow,' a film that continues to be studied and celebrated as a masterpiece of world cinema. The film itself has endured as a classic, frequently appearing in lists of the greatest films ever made, which indirectly preserves Vali's connection to cinema history.

Who They Inspired

There is no available information about Jafar Vali's influence on other actors or filmmakers, likely due to the brevity of his documented film career.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Jafar Vali's personal life. His brief appearance in film history suggests he may not have pursued acting as a long-term career.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in 'The Cow' (1969), which was banned in Iran shortly after its release
  • The Cow won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1971 Venice Film Festival
  • The film was reportedly made on a very small budget
  • The Cow is considered the first film of the Iranian New Wave movement
  • The film was later remade in India as 'Gaav' in 1972

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jafar Vali?

Jafar Vali was an Iranian actor known primarily for his appearance in the 1969 film 'The Cow,' one of the most significant works in Iranian cinema history. Very little is documented about his life and career beyond this single film credit.

What film is Jafar Vali best known for?

Jafar Vali is known exclusively for his role in 'The Cow' (1969), directed by Dariush Mehrjui, which is considered a masterpiece of Iranian cinema and a foundational work of the Iranian New Wave movement.

When was Jafar Vali active in film?

Based on available records, Jafar Vali was active in film only during 1969, with his sole known appearance being in 'The Cow.' This suggests he may have had a very brief acting career or possibly only appeared in this one film.

What is the significance of 'The Cow' in cinema history?

'The Cow' is considered the first major film of the Iranian New Wave movement and won international acclaim, including the FIPRESCI Prize at Venice. It's frequently cited as one of the greatest films ever made and helped establish Iranian cinema on the world stage.

What awards did 'The Cow' win?

'The Cow' won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1971 Venice Film Festival and has since been recognized as one of the most important films in world cinema history, though specific awards for individual actors like Jafar Vali are not documented.

Films

1 film