Zinat Modab, Actress of the First Persian Sound Film Made in Iran, Passes Away

Zinat Modab (Khatibi), the actress of the first Persian sound film in Iran, passed away on August 6 in Los Angeles; she was one hundred years old at the time of her death. Ms. Modab gained fame by acting in the film 'The Storm of Life' directed by Ali Daryabegi and produced by Ismail Kushan. This is the first Persian sound film made in Iran, produced in 1948 by 'Mitra Film'. 'The Prisoner of Amir', 'Spring Variety', and 'Enemy Woman' are other films in which Zinat Modab acted. Firouzeh Khatibi, a journalist, writer, and director residing in Los Angeles, confirmed her mother's death to Voice of America, stating: 'My mother was one of the first brave women during the transition from tradition to modernity, who, despite the opposition of her brothers and family, as well as a patriarchal and religious society, played a leading role in two Iranian films and paved the way for many others.' Ms. Khatibi further added: 'My mother's struggle at that time is not unlike the struggles of fearless and self-sacrificing women of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' revolution in Iran, who fight every day for their freedom and human rights.' After her performance in 'The Storm of Life' in 1948, Zinat Modab also acted in the film 'The Prisoner of Amir' directed by Ismail Kushan, while also working as the first female editor at the production company, Mitra Film. Zinat Modab met Parviz Khatibi, a prominent writer and director of that era, during the production of 'Spring Variety', the first Persian comedy film in 1949. After marrying Parviz Khatibi and acting in the film 'Enemy Woman' in 1958, she limited her artistic activities to dubbing films, working at Radio Iran, voice acting, and participating in radio shows. Zinat Modab worked for 17 years at Radio Iran. For years, she performed various roles in serious radio shows under the pseudonym 'Arzoo' and was the first female host of the programs 'Way of Night' and 'Radio Darya'. This artist also participated in the 'Folk Culture' programs by reading folkloric poetry in a rhythmic style from various regions of Iran and was selected twice as the best host of this program. Ms. Modab immigrated to the United States in 1975 and, after the 1979 revolution, along with Parviz Khatibi, produced and hosted radio programs, political and humorous tapes, and radio and television dramatic works. During this period, she collaborated with Parviz Khatibi as a narrator, actress, voice actress, stage manager, and costume designer, continuing her artistic activities. Zinat Modab was born in 1923 in Lahijan and had a daughter named Nasrin from her first marriage. Firouzeh, Farzin, and Farnaz are the children from her marriage to Parviz Khatibi.