Aziz Babai
Actor
About Aziz Babai
Aziz Babai was an Iranian actor who gained recognition for his role as the strict but concerned teacher in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed film 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987). Like many actors in Kiarostami's films, Babai was likely a non-professional actor discovered by the director in the local community of Koker, Iran, where the film was shot. His performance as the teacher who insists on proper homework completion became one of the most memorable aspects of the film, representing the authority figure that young Ahmed must confront. His naturalistic acting style perfectly embodied Kiarostami's documentary-like approach to filmmaking. Babai's casting exemplified the director's philosophy of using real people rather than trained actors to achieve greater authenticity. His brief but impactful appearance in this seminal work of Iranian cinema represents his entire known film career.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic, non-professional acting style typical of Kiarostami's casting choices, emphasizing authenticity and realism over theatrical performance techniques
Milestones
- Cast as the teacher in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Aziz Babai's performance as the teacher in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' contributed to the film's critical acclaim and its status as a masterpiece of Iranian cinema. His portrayal represented the educational system's authority and the generational gap between adults and children in rural Iran. The character became an iconic figure in world cinema, symbolizing both the obstacles and the potential for understanding between generations.
Lasting Legacy
Though his filmography consists of only one role, Aziz Babai's contribution to cinema is significant through his participation in what would become one of the most celebrated films in Iranian and world cinema history. His natural performance helped establish the authenticity that became a hallmark of Kiarostami's work and influenced countless filmmakers worldwide.
Who They Inspired
As part of Kiarostami's revolutionary approach to casting non-professional actors, Babai's performance demonstrated the power of authenticity in cinema and influenced directors globally to consider using real people rather than trained actors for greater realism.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Aziz Babai's personal life, as he was a non-professional actor who appeared in only one film and did not pursue a career in cinema.
Did You Know?
- Was a non-professional actor discovered by Abbas Kiarostami
- His only film appearance was in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987)
- The film won numerous international awards including the Golden Leopard at Locarno
- Was cast from the local population of Koker, Iran where the film was shot
- His character's insistence on proper homework becomes the central conflict of the film
- The film was the first in Kiarostami's Koker trilogy
- His performance exemplifies the neo-realist traditions in Iranian cinema
- The film was submitted by Iran for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but was not nominated
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aziz Babai?
Aziz Babai was an Iranian non-professional actor best known for his role as the teacher in Abbas Kiarostami's 1987 film 'Where Is The Friend's House?'. His performance in this single film made him a recognizable figure in world cinema.
What films is Aziz Babai best known for?
Aziz Babai is known exclusively for his role in 'Where Is The Friend's House?' (1987), which appears to be his only film credit. This film is considered a masterpiece of Iranian cinema and part of Kiarostami's acclaimed Koker trilogy.
When was Aziz Babai born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Aziz Babai are not publicly available, as he was a non-professional actor who did not pursue a career in cinema and maintained a private life outside of his single film appearance.
What awards did Aziz Babai win?
There are no records of Aziz Babai receiving individual acting awards or nominations. However, the film he appeared in, 'Where Is The Friend's House?', won numerous international awards including the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival.
What was Aziz Babai's acting style?
Aziz Babai employed a naturalistic, authentic acting style typical of non-professional actors in Abbas Kiarostami's films. His performance emphasized realism over theatrical technique, contributing to the documentary-like quality that made the film critically acclaimed.
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Films
1 film
