Tehran, July 5, IRNA – Minister of culture and Islamic guidance expressed condolences over demise of great Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami, saying Kiarostami gave a new meaning to cinema.

In a message on Tuesday, Ali Jannati said Kiarostami, through his modern, beautiful, and creative works put the name of Iran under the spotlight of world's art societies.

Jannati, in his message, also sympathized with the Iranian nation, cinema artists, art society, devotees of cinema and members of Kiarostami's family over his death that happened on July 4, at 76, in France where he had gone to be treated.

The Koker trilogy, series of three films, (1987–94), Close-Up (1990), Taste of Cherry (1997) – which was awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival that year, The Wind Will Carry Us (1999), Certified Copy (2010), Like Someone in Love (2012) and Friend's Home are among famous and popular works of Mr Kiarostami.

International media and prominent figures of cinema have extensively reacted to the death of acclaimed Iranian film maker Abbas Kiarostami.

By IRNA