Fereydun Goleh or Goleh (September 7, 1940 – October 22, 2005) was a screenwriter, film director and editor. He studied literature at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and dramatic arts at New York University. Back in Iran, he ventured into writing screenplays for several commercial films. Later, as a director, he started producing his own movies, but none managed to achieve notable success. Goleh’s movies are renowned for their exploration of social themes and their realistic portrayal of society, often tackling issues of poverty, injustice, and despair. One of his most famous films, Kandū (Beehive, 1975), is considered a pioneering work of Iranian social cinema.

In 1974, he gained critical acclaim for his film Zīr-i pūst-i Shab (Under the Skin of the Night). With a focus on a social theme, Goleh depicted the turmoil and struggles in the life of a young man from his generation who, despite his ambition, faced hardships and setbacks. Goleh’s success was followed by his next movie Mihrgīyāh (The Mandrake) in 1975.

After the 1979 Revolution, he was banned from professional cinema and could not make further films. Despite directing only seven films, this prolific screenwriter left an indelible mark on Iranian cinema as one of the most renowned filmmakers of Iran’s New Wave cinema.