Babak Payami

Born in Tehran in 1966, Babak Payami’s 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. His formative years unfolded against the backdrop of historic events in the late 1970s, eventually leading him to Europe and then Canada, where he settled as a citizen.

In the early 1990s, Payami pursued his passion for cinema at the University of Toronto, immersing himself in the art of storytelling on film. During this time, he balanced multiple roles—working as a translator, court interpreter, and software developer. His innovative contributions included crafting industrial and manufacturing solutions while nurturing an early fascination with video and digital editing. As a member of the Hart House Film Board Executive Committee, Payami sharpened his passion for filmmaking, building upon an interest that began in his early childhood.

In 1998, Payami returned to his homeland, Iran, where he embarked on the creation of his first feature film. He wrote, produced, and directed his debut feature film, “One More Day,” which premiered in the Panorama Special program at the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival. This first feature earned international acclaim, winning the Best Artistic Contribution Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Collaborating with Marco Müller, Payami’s next venture was “Secret Ballot,” produced under the auspices of Fabrica, a United Colors of Benetton Communications Arts institute in Italy. “Secret Ballot” was selected in the official competition of the 2001 Venice International Film Festival, where it earned multiple accolades, including the Silver Lion for Best Director, and cemented Payami’s reputation as an international filmmaker.

In 2002, Payami embarked on his ambitious project, “Silence Between Two Thoughts.” This odyssey took him to remote regions of eastern Iran, near the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, during the post-9/11 era. Despite enduring a rigorous 73-day shoot over nine months, production was abruptly halted due to intervention by Iranian authorities, which led to Payami’s arrest and the confiscation of the film’s original material. However, his resilience shone through as he digitally reconstructed the film from salvaged rushes, which was later presented as an official selection at the 2003 Venice International Film Festival.

After his exile, Payami’s passion for cinema led him across continents. He taught directing at the Ludwigsburg Film Academy in Germany and conducted workshops in Italy and Canada, mentoring aspiring filmmakers. He returned to Fabrica as the Media Studio creative director, guiding young artists in creating impactful documentary projects and innovative audiovisual works.

Since 2012, Payami has served as the Artistic Director of the Iranian-Canadian Centre for the Arts, where he contributed to shaping the renowned Tirgan Festival—the world’s largest arts and culture festival outside of Iran.

In 2015, Payami explored humanitarian themes through animation, co-writing and co-directing “Iqbal, The Story of a Fearless Child,” which addressed the issue of child labor.

In 2017, Payami directed and co-produced “Manhattan Undying,” a romantic drama that explores the complex relationship between immortality and artistic expression. The film’s global release by Paramount Pictures and eOne further solidified Payami’s standing as a filmmaker of universal resonance.

In January 2020, Payami played a pivotal role in supporting the families of flight PS752 victims after the tragic downing of the airliner by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards. This led to his documentary, “752 Is Not A Number,” which premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. Following its theatrical release, the documentary was launched globally on streaming platforms.

Payami’s work continues to reflect his versatility and depth as a filmmaker, marked by a commitment to storytelling that transcends borders. Current projects include a screen adaptation of Canadian author Linden MacIntyre’s novel, “The Bishop’s Man,” and the development of his original screenplay, “Confession Game,” reflecting his unwavering commitment to women’s rights in Iran.

Other projects in development include an adaptation of a novel by Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov, and a mini-series inspired by his maternal roots in Baku, titled “The Enchanted Wanderer.” These works promise to add new, enthralling chapters to Payami’s cinematic legacy.