Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui, wife stabbed to death at Teheran home; Iran's culture minister mourns 'creator of eternal work' in tribute

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the Iranian film industry in shock, renowned director Dariush Mehrjui and his wife, Vahideh Mohammadifar, were brutally stabbed to death at their home just outside Tehran in the city of Karaj.

According to Iranian news agency IRNA, the 83-year-old film-maker, a key figure in the Iranian New Wave, and his wife were found dead on Sunday evening by their daughter, Mona Mehrjui, who had been invited for dinner.

The couple had suffered fatal knife wounds to their necks.


Authorities, led by judiciary official Hossein Fazeli, are currently investigating the heinous crime. IRNA has reported that Mohammadifar had been receiving death threats on social media in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. The couple's daughter, arriving at their home, discovered the horrifying scene, prompting a swift police response.

Fazeli stated to IRNA that "no signs of forced entry can be seen at the crime scene," indicating a possible connection between the victims and the assailant.

While the investigation is ongoing, media reports suggest that authorities have identified four suspects linked to the case, with two individuals already apprehended.

Tributes Pour In

In the wake of this tragedy, the Iranian film community mourned the loss of a true cinematic genius.

Iran's Minister of Culture, Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaili, paid tribute to Mehrjui, stating, "Dariush Mehrjui was one of the pioneers of Iranian cinema, a creator of eternal works."


Broadcaster Philippe Rouyer tweeted, "He was at the origin of the revival of Iranian cinema with films like 'The Cow' (1969) and the remarkable 'The Cycle' (1974)."

Mehrjui's Legacy

Mehrjui, whose contributions to Iranian cinema were immeasurable, gained international recognition for his groundbreaking work.

His 1969 film 'The Cow', a portrayal of rural Iranian life, marked the beginning of the Iranian New Wave. Despite facing censorship challenges in his homeland, Mehrjui's filmography continued to flourish. His creations like 'Mr Naive' and 'The Postman' addressed societal issues, earning critical acclaim both at home and abroad.