BUDAPEST – Renowned Hungarian director Béla Tarr, celebrated for his iconic films like “Sátántangó” and “The Turin Horse,” has passed away at the age of 70. Tarr was widely acclaimed for his lengthy, often darkly humorous films that have left a significant mark on the cinematic world.

Spanning over 40 years, Tarr’s illustrious career saw his works being honored at film festivals across Europe and Asia. His contributions to cinema were also recognized through honorary professorships awarded by universities in China.

The Hungarian Filmmakers’ Association confirmed Tarr’s passing in a statement released on Tuesday. They expressed, “With deep sorrow, we announce that after a prolonged and serious illness, film director Béla Tarr died early this morning.”

Tarr was known for creating films with striking black-and-white imagery that vividly portrayed themes of despair and societal decline. His longest film, “Sátántangó,” has a runtime of 439 minutes, exemplifying his unique approach to storytelling.

Famous for his use of long, mesmerizing takes, Tarr decided to conclude his filmmaking career with the release of “The Turin Horse” in 2011, after which he announced his retirement from directing feature films.