18th Cinéma Vérité kicks off
With focus on bold, pro-Palestinian storytelling
The 18th edition of the Iran International Documentary Film Festival, Cinéma Vérité, began, December 8, 2024, at Tehran’s Charsu Cineplex.
The festival aims to spotlight a new generation of documentary filmmakers, as stated by its secretary, Mohammad Hamidi-Moghadam, during the opening ceremony.
Hamidi-Moghadam emphasized the festival’s commitment to bold and demanding storytelling, asserting, “Cinéma Vérité has always been a seeker and a brave platform, never aiming for neutral documentary cinema.”
In a poignant tribute, he dedicated the festival to the people of Gaza, who have faced relentless attacks for over a year. “We are starting this 18th edition with a film about these people, and I see ourselves alongside them,” he remarked.
He elaborated on the festival’s role as an observer in a chaotic world, highlighting that it would showcase films reflecting the complex realities faced by people globally.
This year’s festival will run through December 15, Irandocfest.ir.
Hamidi-Moghadam reiterated the festival’s mission, stating, “We have not pursued neutral documentary cinema and have valued young filmmakers, resulting in the birth of a fresh generation whose works you will witness in this edition.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of veteran filmmakers, expressing gratitude for their enduring influence on Iranian documentary cinema.
He assured attendees that the national section of this year’s festival would present straightforward narratives. “We trust filmmakers to provide fair critiques. The works in this edition strive to shed light on our world,” he added, expressing appreciation for the documentarians who have kept the spirit of this cinema alive. One of the festival’s primary objectives is to draw attention from policymakers towards the significance of documentary filmmaking.
In a message conveyed to the festival, Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, praised Cinéma Vérité as a unique opportunity to showcase diverse perspectives and narratives from documentary filmmakers.
He noted, “Documentary cinema serves as a medium for presenting the truth and reflecting the world directly, playing an unparalleled role in enhancing our understanding of culture, history, and society.”
Salehi highlighted that the festival provides a platform for voices that often get lost in daily life, encouraging society to reflect on pressing domestic and international issues. “Cinéma Vérité symbolizes the valuable efforts of Iranian filmmakers in the documentary arena, acting as a bridge between audiences and the complex world we inhabit,” he commented.
He lauded the creativity, commitment, and awareness of the documentary filmmakers participating in this year’s festival, asserting that their works open new windows to the real world.