TEHRAN –- A ceremony in honor of the Iranian researcher Manuchehr Sotudeh was held at the Experimental and Documentary Film Center (EDFC) here on Saturday.

The ceremony began with a documentary named “My Heart Is Grieving for Iran” by director Javad Mirhashemi, which was followed by a short speech delivered by him.
He first recited part of the text about the film, reading, “It is World War II and the British troop are occupying Iran. Master Sotudeh composes the poem “My Heart Is Grieving for Iran” on February 24 and promises to write and talk only about Iran.”
He then considered the production of the documentary a great blessing in disguise and said, “Becoming familiar with the master and over one year indirectly living with him was a great opportunity. I was preparing the project ‘Rudkhan Castle’ where I met the master, and despite his old age, he still loves reading and teaching and his high spirits and hope for life is undeniable.”
He then gave his thanks to masters Ali Dehbashi, Orod Zand and Farid Farkhondeh-Kish for helping him to accomplish the project.
Afterwards, Iranologist and literary figure Ahmad Eqtedari and Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs, Mohammadreza Jafari-Jelveh handed the plaque of honor to master Sotudeh.
Eqtedari called the “Gilaki Dictionary” by Sotudeh one of his best works in the history of linguistics of Iran and also considered his own dictionary of Larestan indebted to guidance from Sotudeh.
Master Sotudeh also expressed his thanks to Mirhashemi and said, “This filmmaker made great efforts and followed me wherever I went in all my activities.”
Gilaki, Semnani, Kermani dictionaries and correcting the books on the history of Gilan are among Sotudeh’s credits.
Manuchehr Sotudeh was born in 1917 in Gilan. He later traveled to Tehran with his family. He studied Persian language and literature and got his Ph.D. from the University of Tehran.
Photo: Manuchehr Sotudeh in a scene from “My Heart Is Grieving for Iran”