TEHRAN -- The 29th Fajr International Film Festival plans award a Golden Simorgh to Masud Kimiaii in recognition of his lifetime achievements as one of the giants of Iranian cinema.

He has not participated in the festival since 2004 when his “Friday’s Soldiers” was screened at the event.
Kimiaii began his career in cinema as assistant director for “Farewell Tehran” under director Samuel Khachikian in 1966.
He made his debut film “Come Stranger” in 1968. However, it lacked a powerful structure.
He shot to fame with his next film “Qaysar” (1969) starring Behruz Vosughi. It was about a young man’s drive to take revenge upon those responsible for the rape of his sister and the murder of his brother.
“Qaysar” became a cult film and “Reza, the Motorcyclist” (1970), “Dash Akol” (1971), and “The Deer” (1975) brought him more fame.
His credits also include “The Red Line”, “The Silk and the Blade”, “Lead”, “The Wolf’s Trail”, “The Commerce”, “Mercedes”, “The Cry”, “The Protest” and “Verdict”, “The Boss”, “Trial on the Street”.
Kimiaii’s latest film “Crime” is slated to be screened at the Fajr International Film Festival, which will take place in Tehran from February 5 to 15.
The festival organizers have previously announced that actors Mehdi Faqih and Jamshid Hashempur, directors Puran Derakhshandeh and Shahriar Bahrani, makeup artist Bijan Mohtasham and special effects director Davud Rasulian will also receive lifetime achievement awards.
Photo: Iranian director Masud Kimiaii poses in a location in Tehran where he shot scenes for his film “Crime” on June 18, 2010. (Mehr/Babak Borzuyeh)