Esteemed Filmmaker and Author Mohydeen Quandour Dies at 85
Mohydeen Quandour, a prominent Circassian filmmaker and author, passed away this morning.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― Mohydeen Quandour, a prominent Circassian filmmaker and author, passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning. The news was shared by his wife, Luba Balagova, through a touching post on Facebook. Quandour, a distinguished figure in both the film and literary worlds, was 85 years old.
Luba Balagova mournfully announced the passing of her husband, describing him as her beloved "Mohy," her closest friend and partner. "Until we meet again my love, I will keep you in my heart until the end of my days. Thank you for being my loving husband and the father of my children Aleem Kandour and Kazbek Kandour," she wrote.
Born in 1938 in Amman, Jordan, Mohydeen Izzat Quandour's career was marked by a rich and diverse journey in the creative arts. His early career in the film industry began with advertising films at J. Walter Thompson and MPO studios in New York. Moving to Hollywood in the early seventies, Quandour made a significant impact with his work on television classics like "Mannix" and "Bonanza."
His directorial ventures include acclaimed films such as “Cold Wind," "The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe," and "Lost in Chechnya." He also produced several award-winning documentaries for European networks like Tele Hashette, the BBC, and Channel One in France. As an author, Quandour penned 20 historical novels, with his works receiving global recognition and being translated into multiple languages.
Mohydeen Quandour with his wife Luba Balagova, and his sons, Aleem and Kazbek Kandour.
Among his recent acclaimed film productions were “Cherkess” in 2010, which earned him the Best Director & Best Film awards at the Monaco International Film festival, and “The Prisoner” in 2011. Quandour's talents also extended to classical music composition, with performances of his works in Japan and Europe.
Quandour, who divided his time between Windsor, England, and Istanbul, Türkiye, was a celebrated figure in the arts. His honours include the Golden Cross medal in Moscow and the title of "Author of the people (Narodni Pesatle)" in the Russian Federation.
Mohydeen Quandour's death marks the end of a remarkable era in the realms of cinema and literature. His visionary work and profound contributions to the arts have left a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Luba Balagova, and his sons, Aleem and Kazbek Kandour.