Minister urges unity, transparency in Fajr Film Festival
Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, emphasized the importance of unity and transparency in the upcoming Fajr Film Festival, calling for a more inclusive and harmonious approach to the event.
Speaking at the first meeting of the policy-making council of the 43rd edition of the festival, Salehi noted that the festival should serve as a platform for promoting national unity and solidarity among filmmakers, IRNA reported.
Salehi stressed the need to shift away from the approach, which he believes has created a rift between the film industry and decision-makers, and instead adopt a collaborative approach that fosters unity and solidarity among filmmakers.
He emphasized that the festival should be a celebration of Iranian cinema, rather than a platform for promoting individual interests.
The minister also addressed concerns about the festival’s transparency and costs, stating that these issues should be prioritized from the outset.
He emphasized that the festival should be faithful to five key aspects: The economic, artistic, technological, international, and humanitarian dimensions of cinema.
Salehi also discussed the need to rebuild trust with filmmakers who have become disillusioned with the festival, stating that “if we take positive steps, we can regain the trust that has been lost.”
He acknowledged that there is a deep divide between the film industry and the decision-making bodies, but expressed hope that the festival can help to bridge this gap.
The minister also emphasized the importance of promoting Iranian cinema on the international stage, stating that “if we don’t connect our cinema to the world, it won’t be recognized domestically either.”
He noted that the world has become a smaller place, and that Iranian cinema needs to be showcased globally in order to be successful at home.
Raed Faridzadeh, head of Cinema Organization of Iran (COI), noted that the Fajr Film Festival has maintained its position among the top 14 international film festivals, despite efforts by “the Zionist regime” to undermine Iran’s cinematic achievements.
Manouchehr Shahsavari, secretary of the 43rd Fajr Film Festival, emphasized the need for a “realistic understanding of change” and a national approach to the festival.
He called for a shift away from a passive approach to culture and towards a more proactive and inclusive one, stating that “we can’t talk about unity without a national approach.”