Cultural centers and universities in the US are slated to honor the celebrated Iranian filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui and screen his films.

Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center will be Mehrjui's first host, screening his popular production Hamoon on Oct. 25 and 26, 2008 in tribute to the film's late actor, Khosrow Shakibai.

The award-winning filmmaker will then take part in Stanford University's 'An Evening with Dariush Mehrjui' on Nov. 7, 2008, where his Santouri will be screened.

Mehrjui will go to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, where he will receive the first ILEX Award for Lifetime Achievement during a ceremony on Nov. 14, 2008.

An Iranian new wave director, screenwriter, producer, and film editor, Dariush Mehrjui graduated from the UCLA University in Philosophy and Film Studies in 1964.

He has produced and directed over 20 feature-length films, including The Cow, The Cycle, The Tenants, Hamoon and The Pear Tree. His films have received more than 50 national and international awards.

TE/HGH