Babek Ahmed Poor
Actor
About Babek Ahmed Poor
Babek Ahmed Poor is an Iranian child actor best known for his starring role as Ahmad in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987). Discovered by director Kiarostami in his hometown of Koker, Iran, young Babek delivered a remarkably natural and heartfelt performance that captivated international audiences. His portrayal of a determined schoolboy trying to return his friend's notebook became one of the most memorable child performances in Iranian cinema history. Despite the critical success of the film and his outstanding performance, Babek Ahmed Poor did not pursue a career in acting beyond this single role. His performance in Kiarostami's film contributed significantly to the international recognition of Iranian cinema during the late 1980s. The film was part of what would later be known as Kiarostami's Koker trilogy, though Babek only appeared in the first installment. After his brief moment in the cinematic spotlight, he returned to a normal life away from the entertainment industry.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic and authentic child performance characterized by genuine emotional expression and understated delivery typical of non-professional child actors in Iranian cinema of the era
Milestones
- Starred in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987) at age approximately 8-10
- Delivered acclaimed naturalistic performance in internationally recognized film
- Contributed to the global recognition of Iranian New Wave cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Babek Ahmed Poor's performance in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' contributed significantly to the international recognition of Iranian cinema during the late 1980s. His naturalistic acting style exemplified the Iranian New Wave cinema's preference for non-professional actors and authentic performances. The film's success at international film festivals helped establish Iran as a major force in world cinema, with young Babek's performance often cited as a prime example of the emotional depth and authenticity that characterized Iranian filmmaking of this period.
Lasting Legacy
Though his acting career consisted of only one film, Babek Ahmed Poor's performance as Ahmad remains one of the most memorable child performances in cinema history. His work continues to be studied in film schools as an example of naturalistic child acting and the effectiveness of using non-professional actors. The character he portrayed has become an iconic figure in Iranian cinema, representing childhood innocence, determination, and moral responsibility.
Who They Inspired
His performance influenced subsequent generations of Iranian filmmakers in their approach to working with child actors and non-professional performers. The authenticity he brought to the screen demonstrated how powerful naturalistic performances could be, particularly when working with children who had no prior acting experience.
Off Screen
Very little is publicly known about Babek Ahmed Poor's personal life beyond his brief acting career. Like many child actors in Iranian cinema, particularly those discovered by Kiarostami for specific roles, he returned to normal life after filming concluded. He was discovered in his hometown of Koker, a village that would become famous through Kiarostami's films.
Did You Know?
- Was discovered by director Abbas Kiarostami in his village of Koker, Iran
- Was approximately 8-10 years old when he starred in the film
- Had no prior acting experience before being cast
- His performance was entirely naturalistic without formal acting training
- Did not pursue acting as a career after this film
- The film was his only known acting role
- His hometown Koker became famous through Kiarostami's trilogy
- The film was Iran's first major international success at Cannes
- His character's journey to return a notebook became an iconic cinematic moment
- Was part of what would later be known as the Koker trilogy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Babek Ahmed Poor?
Babek Ahmed Poor was an Iranian child actor who starred as Ahmad in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed 1987 film 'Where Is The Friend's House?'. He was discovered in his hometown of Koker and delivered a naturalistic performance that gained international recognition, though this was his only known acting role.
What film is Babek Ahmed Poor best known for?
Babek Ahmed Poor is exclusively known for his starring role in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987), where he played the determined young boy Ahmad trying to return his friend's notebook.
When was Babek Ahmed Poor born and where is he from?
Babek Ahmed Poor's exact birth date is not publicly known, but he was approximately 8-10 years old when he filmed 'Where Is The Friend's House?' in 1987. He is from the village of Koker in Iran, where he was discovered by director Abbas Kiarostami.
Did Babek Ahmed Poor win any awards for his acting?
While the film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' received international acclaim and awards, there are no specific records of Babek Ahmed Poor receiving individual acting awards. His performance was widely praised by critics and contributed to the film's success at international film festivals.
What was Babek Ahmed Poor's acting style?
Babek Ahmed Poor's acting style was completely naturalistic and authentic, typical of the non-professional actors preferred by Iranian New Wave directors. His performance was characterized by genuine emotional expression and understated delivery that captured the innocence and determination of childhood.
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Films
1 film
