La Biennale di Venezia Mourns the Loss of Hengameh Panahi: A Tribute to a Film Luminary

©Venice Film Festival

In a somber remembrance, La Biennale di Venezia pays tribute to the illustrious French-Iranian producer and distributor, Hengameh Panahi, who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Fondly remembered as the founder of Celluloid Dreams, Panahi was not merely a film professional but a dedicated champion of arthouse talents, forging lasting relationships with luminaries like Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar Panahi, Takeshi Kitano, and Jacques Audiard.

Panahi's global impact is evident in her distribution of three films that earned the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival. Takeshi Kitano's *Hana-bi* (1997), Jafar Panahi's *The Circle* (2000), and Lorenzo Vigas's *From Afar* (2015) all found a global audience through her passionate curation.

Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice Film Festival, reflects on Panahi's legacy as both a legendary figure and a trusted mentor to filmmakers. Her role extended beyond that of a sales agent or co-producer; she became a friend and guide, navigating the complex world of cinema with unparalleled expertise. Barbera expresses the immense void left by Panahi's passing, emphasizing the challenge of filling the space she occupied.

Panahi's cinematic journey included the distribution of several acclaimed films showcased at the Venice Film Festival. Notable works like Takeshi Kitano's *Zatôichi* (2004), Jia Zhangke's *The World* (2004), Marco Bellocchio's *Bella addormentata* (2012), Xavier Legrand's *Jusqu’à la garde* (2017), and Majid Majidi's *Sun Children* (2020) bear witness to her discerning taste and unwavering support for visionary filmmakers.

In her extensive and award-laden career, Hengameh Panahi proved to be a force in shaping the trajectory of cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated by generations to come.