Int’l 100-Second Film Festival shaping future of Iranian cinema, cultural equity
The 14th International 100-Second Film Festival, running from May 6 to 9, plays a key role in promoting cultural justice, particularly by supporting filmmakers from underrepresented areas, says Habib Ilbeigi, CEO of the Shahr Cinema Institute.
Ilbeigi highlighted how the festival provides an opportunity for creativity to flourish, especially with the accessibility of smartphones that enable filmmakers to produce high-quality short films. “In the past, such access was not possible,” he remarked, emphasizing that the 100-second films, while not requiring heavy budgets, allow for powerful ideas and innovative concepts to come forward, inn.ir reported.
“Unlike the common misconception that short films are always low-budget, the cost can vary significantly based on production resources,” Ilbeigi added.
He also pointed out that while these films might not achieve the technical polish of feature-length films, it is the ideas and concepts that matter most.
The festival, according to Ilbeigi, serves as an excellent venue for discovering emerging talents. With many students and young enthusiasts across the country, such festivals give filmmakers the chance to be recognized and introduced to the broader cinema community. “Many successful filmmakers who were discovered at these festivals are now continuing their work in Iranian cinema,” he said.
Ilbeigi also touched upon the ongoing challenges in supporting young filmmakers after their initial success. “Holding festivals is just the beginning,” he said. “Continuous support is crucial for their professional development.”
Emphasizing the importance of guiding filmmakers after they complete their first film, Ilbeigi stated that these individuals should not be left to navigate the industry on their own. “They need support in areas like technical skills and training,” he added. “It is vital that after their first film, they continue to receive attention and resources to help them grow.”
Drawing from his experience at the Farabi Cinema Foundation in 2017, Ilbeigi recalled how he advocated for the identification and support of emerging filmmakers. “These filmmakers should be offered scholarships to enhance their technical abilities and gain more experience in areas like screenwriting and co-production,” he noted.
Ilbeigi stressed the need for film festivals to go beyond simply showcasing films. “Festivals should act as platforms for identifying and selecting new talent. Producers and investors need to attend these events to find the best works for future projects,” he said.
He also pointed to a gap in the current festival system, where many festivals only focus on awards ceremonies. “To ensure filmmakers continue to grow, they must receive ongoing support and training after their festival appearances,” he added.
Ilbeigi concluded by underlining the importance of talent-scouting events, where producers and investors should actively participate to identify new talent. He further reflected on the role of the Cinema Organization of Iran in promoting Iranian films at international festivals. While the direct involvement of the organization may have diminished in recent years, it still provides critical support, particularly in terms of distribution and international marketing.