In his later years, Taghvai became a mentor to young filmmakers. He frequently gave lectures, workshops, and interviews on the art of storytelling. He emphasized that cinema’s power came not from technology but from its spiritual and poetic core. He encouraged filmmakers to draw from their own geography and language rather than imitate Western styles. “Cinema,” he said, “must grow from the soil it stands on.” This philosophy continues to shape many of today’s directors who see film as a bridge between realism and cultural memory.
Those who knew Taghvai describe him as modest, fiercely intelligent, and deeply connected to the south. He spoke with precision, often quoting literature or poetry, and carried himself with quiet intensity. His wife, actress Parvaneh Masoumi, frequently appeared in his films and stood beside him through decades of artistic struggle. Even as he aged, Taghvai remained a moral compass for creative community — a reminder of what it means to remain faithful to one’s artistic soul. His passing in October 2025 was mourned across the country; tributes poured in from filmmakers, writers, and cultural institutions, describing him as “a lighthouse of art.”
