Who Is Jafar Panahi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jafar Panahi was born on July 11, 1960, making him 64 years old in 2025. He is a prominent Iranian filmmaker recognized for his thought-provoking films that often critique social issues within Iranian society. His works, such as "The Circle" and "Taxi," have garnered international acclaim, winning numerous awards at prestigious film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival. Despite facing censorship and legal challenges in Iran, Panahi continues to produce impactful cinema that resonates with audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1960 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Mianeh, East Azerbaijan, Iran |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Azerbaijan |
Popularity
Jafar Panahi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Jafar Panahi stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight is estimated to be around 150 lbs (68 kg). While specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, he maintains a healthy physique, reflective of his lifestyle as an active filmmaker engaging with diverse cultures and environments through his work.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jafar Panahi has managed to keep his personal life relatively private. He is married and has two children, but details regarding his wife or girlfriend are seldom shared in the media. The focus on his family is more often conveyed through his films rather than personal interviews, showcasing his belief in the power of storytelling to capture family dynamics and societal issues.
He grew up with four sisters and two brothers. His father worked as a house painter. His family spoke Azerbaijani at home, but Persian with other Iranians. When he was ten years old he used an 8 mm film camera. He also acted in one film and assisted Kanoon's library director in running a program that taught children how to operate a film camera.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jafar Panahi's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings primarily come from his work as a filmmaker, with several acclaimed films that have received both national and international recognition. Panahi’s ability to produce compelling narratives has not only garnered him awards but also lucrative opportunities in various cinematic projects.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jafar Panahi's career spans over three decades, during which he has directed, produced, and written multiple films that challenge the norms of Iranian cinema. He is known for his unique storytelling technique, often using real-life situations and non-professional actors to enhance the authenticity of his narratives. Despite ongoing restrictions on his filmmaking, Panahi has successfully established a business model that allows him to invest in underground and independent film projects, promoting a new wave of Iranian cinema.
Panahi began his career making short films and working as an assistant to Abbas Kiarostami. His debut feature, The White Balloon (1995), won the Caméra d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking the first major award for an Iranian film at that event.
He has since been associated with the Iranian New Wave and often explores themes of social injustice and restrictions, political oppression, and the experiences of marginalized individuals in Iran.
Social Network
Panahi is relatively active on social media, primarily using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share insights about his life and work. He uses these platforms to engage with fans, raise awareness for Iranian cinema, and advocate for freedom of expression. His social media presence also serves as a channel for discussing the challenges faced by filmmakers under censorship.
In 1992 Panahi made his first narrative short film, The Friend (Doust), an homage to Kiarostami's first short film, The Bread and Alley. That same year Panahi made his second narrative short, The Final Exam (Akharin Emtehan).
Both films starred non-professional actors Ali Azizollahi and Mehdi Shahabi and won awards for Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing at Iran's National TV Festival that year.
Inspired by a story of a young Luis Buñuel once contacting successful film director Jean Epstein to ask for a job in filmmaking, Panahi left a message on Kiarostami's answering machine saying that he loved his films and asking for a job on his next film. Kiarostami hired Panahi as his assistant director for the film Through the Olive Trees.
Education
Jafar Panahi graduated with a degree in film directing from the Tehran University of Art. His education laid the groundwork for his esteemed career in film, providing him with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to explore complex social themes through his artistry. His academic background continues to influence his innovative filmmaking approach today.
Starting at age 12, Panahi worked after school in order to afford to go and see films. His impoverished childhood helped form the humanistic worldview of his films.
