Hossein Mansouri
Actor
About Hossein Mansouri
Hossein Mansouri was an Iranian actor who appeared in the groundbreaking documentary film 'The House Is Black' (1962), directed by the renowned poet and filmmaker Forugh Farrokhzad. His appearance in this film represents his only known credited acting role, making him a somewhat mysterious figure in Iranian cinema history. The film itself is considered one of the most important Iranian films ever made, blending documentary footage with poetic narration to humanize the residents of a leprosy colony in Tabriz. Mansouri's participation in this landmark project places him within a significant moment in Iranian artistic history, though details about his broader career or personal life remain scarce. His brief but memorable appearance contributed to the film's powerful impact and its role in establishing a new wave of Iranian cinema that would emerge in the following decades.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic documentary style performance, typical of the film's approach to authentic representation
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The House Is Black' (1962), one of the most influential Iranian films of all time
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Hossein Mansouri's contribution to 'The House Is Black' places him within the context of a revolutionary moment in Iranian cinema history. The film broke new ground in documentary filmmaking by combining poetic sensibility with social realism, influencing generations of Iranian filmmakers. While his individual role was small, his participation helped create a work that challenged societal attitudes toward leprosy and established a new aesthetic in Iranian documentary cinema that would influence filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf in later decades.
Lasting Legacy
Hossein Mansouri's legacy is intrinsically tied to 'The House Is Black,' a film that continues to be studied in film schools worldwide and is regularly cited as one of the most important films in Iranian cinema history. His appearance in this seminal work ensures his place, however small, in the annals of revolutionary cinema that helped establish Iran's reputation for poetic and socially conscious filmmaking.
Who They Inspired
As a participant in one of the most influential Iranian films ever made, Hossein Mansouri indirectly contributed to the documentary film movement that would inspire countless filmmakers. The film's approach to humanizing marginalized communities set a precedent for socially conscious documentary work that continues to influence filmmakers globally.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Hossein Mansouri's personal life, as he appeared in only one film and did not achieve widespread fame. His participation in 'The House Is Black' suggests he may have been either a resident of the leprosy colony featured in the film or someone connected to the community being documented.
Did You Know?
- 'The House Is Black' was the only film Hossein Mansouri appeared in according to available records
- The film was directed by renowned Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad, who was only 27 years old when she made it
- The film runs only 22 minutes but has had an outsized influence on world cinema
- Farrokhzad adopted a boy from the leprosy colony featured in the film after completing production
- The film won the grand prize at the 1963 Oberhausen International Short Film Festival
- Despite its brief running time, the film took several months to shoot and edit
- The film combines documentary footage with poetry written and narrated by Farrokhzad herself
- It was considered controversial in Iran for its frank portrayal of leprosy patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hossein Mansouri?
Hossein Mansouri was an Iranian actor who appeared in the influential 1962 documentary film 'The House Is Black.' His only known film credit was this groundbreaking work directed by poet Forugh Farrokhzad, which documented life in a leprosy colony in Iran.
What films is Hossein Mansouri best known for?
Hossein Mansouri is known exclusively for his appearance in 'The House Is Black' (1962), considered one of the most important Iranian films ever made and a landmark in world documentary cinema.
When was Hossein Mansouri born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Hossein Mansouri are not available in existing film records, as he appeared in only one film and did not achieve widespread recognition.
What awards did Hossein Mansouri win?
While 'The House Is Black' won the grand prize at the 1963 Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, there are no specific records of Hossein Mansouri personally receiving awards or nominations for his contribution to the film.
What was Hossein Mansouri's acting style?
Mansouri's performance in 'The House Is Black' followed a naturalistic documentary approach, typical of the film's style that aimed for authentic representation rather than theatrical performance. The film prioritized real moments and genuine human expression over conventional acting techniques.
Films
1 film
