Renowned Iranian cinematographer Mahmoud Kalari will serve as the chair of the Regional Competition jury at the 23rd Golden Apricot International Film Festival.
Over the years, Golden Apricot has welcomed some of the most influential figures of Iranian cinema, including Abbas Kiarostami, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Jafar Panahi, and Asghar Farhadi. This year, audiences will have the opportunity to meet the artist who stood behind the camera on many of the acclaimed films created by these masters.
Since the 1980s, Kalari has contributed to the production of more than 60 feature films, while his photography has been exhibited around the world. Widely regarded as one of the leading cinematographers of contemporary Iranian cinema, he has collaborated with some of the industry’s most celebrated directors.
Among the internationally acclaimed films shot by Kalari are Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation, Jafar Panahi’s Offside, Dariush Mehrjui’s Leila, and Abbas Kiarostami’s The Wind Will Carry Us.
The 23rd Golden Apricot International Film Festival will take place in Yerevan from July 12 to 19, 2026. This year’s edition will once again feature competitive and non-competitive programs showcasing films from around the world, including works presented at major international festivals such as Cannes and Berlin.
The festival will also bring together internationally recognized filmmakers, directors, actors, and industry professionals, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, and the sharing of new ideas with Armenian audiences.
