TEHRAN -- Documentary filmmaker Ebrahim Mokhtari is busy writing the screenplay for his new documentary on scholar Ali Shariati.

Ali Shariati (1933–1977), who earned a Ph.D. in the history of Islam and sociology at the University of Paris, is regarded as one of the most influential ideological leaders of pre-revolutionary Iran.
“I began the research work six months ago and used documents kept at the Shariati Foundation. I also held talks with his family members,” Mokhtari told the Persian service of Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) on Wednesday.
Mokhtari, whose previous productions centered on Iranian post-revolution female characters and their hopes and fears, this time chose the special character of Shariati for his new documentary.
The impact and popularity of Shariati’s thought continues to be felt throughout Iranian society many years later. “Where Shall We Begin?”, “Fatima Is Fatima”, “And Once Again Abu-Dhar” are among his noteworthy credits.
“Shooting will begin while I am conducting the research work and writing the screenplay at the same time,” he added.
Mokhtari’s previous works include “Molla Khadijeh and Her Children” (1995), “Mokarrameh, Her Memories and Dreams” (1999), and “Zinat, A Special Day” (2000).