Biography

Born in Tehran, Babak Payami is a filmmaker whose diverse background and international experiences have shaped his unique cinematic perspective. With maternal roots in Baku, Azerbaijan, and paternal lineage in Tehran spanning over seven generations, Payami grew up amidst the culturally rich landscapes of Iran and Afghanistan. The historic developments in both countries during the late 1970s eventually led him to Europe and Canada, where he became a citizen.

In the early 1990s, Payami pursued his passion for cinema at the University of Toronto, immersing himself in the art of storytelling. While studying, he balanced roles as a translator and court interpreter and delved into software design and development, creating innovative industrial and manufacturing solutions with a keen interest in the evolution of video and digital editing. His involvement with the Hart House Film Board Executive Committee sharpened his passion for cinema and filmmaking.

In 1998, Payami returned to Iran to author, produce, and direct his debut feature film, "One More Day," which premiered in the official Panorama Special program at the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival. The film garnered international recognition, winning the Best Artistic Contribution Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Collaborating with Marco Müller, Payami realized his second feature, "Secret Ballot," under the auspices of Fabrica, a United Colors of Benetton communications arts institute in Treviso, Italy. Secret Ballot was selected for the 2001 Venice International Film Festival, where it earned several accolades, including the prestigious Best Director award, affirming Payami's position as an international filmmaker.

In 2002, Payami embarked on the ambitious project "Silence Between Two Thoughts," filming in remote regions of eastern Iran near the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan during the post-9/11 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Despite enduring a rigorous 73-day shoot over nine months and facing challenges-including his arrest and the confiscation of the film's original material by the Islamic Republic authorities-Payami's unwavering dedication led him to digitally reconstruct the film from salvaged rushes. He presented it at the Venice International Film Festival in 2003.

Following his exile, Payami continued his filmmaking journey across continents. He taught directing at the Ludwigsburg Film Academy in Germany and conducted workshops in Italy and Canada, nurturing aspiring filmmakers. Returning to Fabrica as its Media Studio creative director, he mentored young artists in creating compelling documentary projects and other audiovisual works.

Payami has served as the Artistic Director of the Iranian-Canadian Centre for the Arts, playing a guiding role in the renowned Tirgan Festival, a global celebration of Iranian arts and culture.

In 2015, his passion for humanitarian themes led him to co-write and co-direct the animated feature "Iqbal, The Story of a Fearless Child," focusing on child labor issues.

In 2017, Payami directed and co-produced "Manhattan Undying," a romantic drama intertwining themes of immortality and artistic vision. The film's global release by Paramount Pictures and e-One cemented his reputation as a filmmaker with universal resonance.

In January 2020, Payami was called upon to assist the families of Flight PS752 victims following the tragic downing of the airliner by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards of Iran. Alongside other humanitarian activities, he embarked on a 28-month journey with Dr. Hamed Esmaeilion, who lost his wife and daughter in the incident. His feature-length documentary "752 Is Not a Number" premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and was subsequently released theatrically and globally on streaming platforms.

Continuing his creative ventures, Payami is working on a screen adaptation of Canadian author Linden MacIntyre's novel "The Bishop's Man," promising another enthralling chapter in his cinematic legacy. His original screenplay "Confession Game," reflects his lifelong commitment to women's rights in Iran.

Other projects in development by Payami and his Payam Films production company include an adaptation of a novel by Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov and a mini-series titled "The Enchanted Wanderer," based on true-life stories relating to his maternal roots in Baku.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Admin