Mehrjui’s many accolades include a Silver Hugo from the Chicago International Film Festival in 1998 and a Golden Seashell at the San Sebastián International Film Festival 1993.In 2005 Mehrjui presided over the jury of the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in France.“We have just learned of the tragic death of Iranian film director Dariush Mehrjui and his wife, both brutally murdered by thieves,” Vesoul director Jean-Marc Thérouanne said in a statement, noting that “The Cow,” “Leila” and “Bemani” all screened at the prestigious fest.