P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Olimi, Qutbiddin

Tajik movie director Qutbiddin Olimi was born in Khujand on May

1, 1908. He is one of the first contributors to the Tajik film industry.

Olimi studied in the Dushanbe Movie Actors Courses and at the

State Institute of Arts. Originally, he was discovered by N. Dostal, the

famous movie director who introduced a number of other faces to Tajik

theater as well. Olimi's directorial activity dates to 1938 and to his film

entitled Bogh (The Garden). Also in 1938, he traveled to Leninabad and

learned the principles of dubbing. Upon his return to Dushanbe, he

formed a studio for dubbing films. From 1941 to 1945, he served at the

war front. After the war, he continued his work in Dushanbe and

dubbed more than 400 films, including Asal (Honey), Dursun (Dursun),

A'zoi Hukumat (Government Officials), Lenin dar Soli 1918 (Lenin in

1918), Lenin dar Oktiobr (Lenin in October), Odami Miltiqdor (Man

with a Rifle), Shashumi Iyul (Sixth of July), Daftari Kabud (The Black

Book), and Oilai Ulionovho (The Ulianov Family). Olimi 's only contri-

bution in print is entitled Dublozhi Filmho (Dubbing of Films). It was

published in Dushanbe in 1970.

Olimi became a Distinguished Artist of Tajikistan in 1958. He also

was awarded the Badge of Honor, a number of medals, and the Honor-

ary Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Tajikistan.

Olimi died in Dushanbe on March 3, 1970.