Short Film News (SFN)- Iranian documentary filmmaker Kamran Shirdel was recently awarded the Italian Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI.

This is the first class Order of Merit of the Italian Republic awarded for contributions in the fields of literature, music, economy, public service, social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities.

Shirdel received the award during a ceremony held at the Italian Embassy here in Tehran.

Documentarian Shirdel is the first Iranian filmmaker who has received the Italian medal.

“Kamran Shirdel is no doubt the father of Iran’s modern cinema, especially in social documentary cinema. He has played a major role in introducing and promoting Italian neo-realism. He has also helped introduce great Italian filmmakers of the 1960’s and 70’s, including Federico Fellini, Francesco Rosi, and Michelangelo Antonioni,” reads part of the letter Italy has published for the occasion of awarding the medal to Shirdel.

Born in 1939 in Tehran, Shirdel is one of the most widely renowned Iranian documentary filmmakers.

He was the founder of Kish International Documentary Film Festival (KIDFF) (not held for several years) which was of high importance to novice filmmakers.