Ahmed Ahmed Poor
Actor
About Ahmed Ahmed Poor
Ahmed Ahmed Poor was a young Iranian child actor who gained international recognition for his remarkable performance as the lead character in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987). Discovered by Kiarostami in his hometown of Koker, Iran, Ahmed was cast at approximately 8-9 years old to play the determined young boy trying to return his friend's notebook. His natural, non-professional acting style perfectly embodied the innocence and persistence that the role required. The film became part of Kiarostami's celebrated Koker trilogy and brought Ahmed international attention at film festivals worldwide. Despite his critically acclaimed debut performance, Ahmed did not pursue a professional acting career beyond this single but memorable role. His performance remains one of the most authentic child performances in cinema history, capturing the essence of childhood determination and moral responsibility. After the film's success, Ahmed returned to his normal life in Iran, away from the spotlight of international cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic, non-professional child performance marked by authenticity and emotional truthfulness
Milestones
- Starred in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987)
- International recognition at Cannes Film Festival
- Part of acclaimed Koker Trilogy
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- International recognition at Cannes Film Festival (1987)
Nominated
- Various international film festival recognitions for child performance
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of cinema's most authentic child performances
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ahmed Ahmed Poor's performance in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' had a significant impact on world cinema, particularly in demonstrating the power of non-professional actors, especially children, in creating authentic and moving cinematic experiences. His natural portrayal helped establish Abbas Kiarostami's international reputation and contributed to the global recognition of Iranian New Wave cinema. The film and his performance became benchmarks for realistic child performances in international cinema, influencing filmmakers worldwide to seek authenticity over professional polish in casting young actors.
Lasting Legacy
Ahmed Ahmed Poor's legacy is defined by a single, unforgettable performance that continues to be studied and admired by film scholars and directors decades later. His work represents the pinnacle of non-professional child acting and serves as a testament to Abbas Kiarostami's ability to capture authentic human emotion on film. Despite not continuing in acting, his contribution to cinema through this one role has secured his place in film history as one of the most memorable child actors ever to appear on screen.
Who They Inspired
His authentic performance influenced a generation of filmmakers to consider non-professional actors, particularly children, for roles requiring genuine emotion and natural behavior. The success of his performance demonstrated that professional training is not always necessary for powerful cinematic moments, particularly in films focusing on childhood experiences and moral dilemmas.
Off Screen
After his brief acting career, Ahmed Ahmed Poor returned to a normal life in Iran, away from the film industry spotlight. He did not pursue further acting opportunities and maintained his privacy regarding his personal life.
Did You Know?
- Was discovered by director Abbas Kiarostami in his hometown of Koker, Iran
- Was approximately 8-9 years old when he starred in the film
- Had no previous acting experience before being cast
- His performance was entirely natural and untrained
- Did not pursue acting as a career after this film
- The film was part of Kiarostami's Koker Trilogy
- His character's journey involved traveling through multiple villages to return a notebook
- The film brought international attention to Iranian cinema
- His authentic performance was praised at Cannes Film Festival
- Returned to normal life in Iran after the film's success
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ahmed Ahmed Poor?
Ahmed Ahmed Poor was a young Iranian child actor who starred as the lead character in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed 1987 film 'Where Is The Friend's House?'. His natural, non-professional performance as a determined boy trying to return his friend's notebook earned international recognition and remains one of cinema's most authentic child performances.
What films is Ahmed Ahmed Poor best known for?
Ahmed Ahmed Poor is known exclusively for his starring role in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987), which was his only film appearance. The movie was part of Abbas Kiarostami's celebrated Koker Trilogy and brought international attention to Iranian cinema.
When was Ahmed Ahmed Poor born and when did he die?
Ahmed Ahmed Poor was born in approximately 1979 in Koker, Iran. He is still alive and did not pursue a career in acting after his single film appearance, returning to a normal life away from the entertainment industry.
What awards did Ahmed Ahmed Poor win?
While Ahmed Ahmed Poor himself did not receive specific acting awards, his performance in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' contributed to the film's international acclaim and recognition at major film festivals including Cannes. The film's success helped establish Abbas Kiarostami's international reputation.
What was Ahmed Ahmed Poor's acting style?
Ahmed Ahmed Poor's acting style was completely natural and untrained, characterized by authenticity and genuine emotion. As a non-professional child actor, he brought an organic quality to his performance that perfectly captured the innocence and determination of his character, making his portrayal remarkably believable and moving.
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Films
1 film
