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Fajr Int’l Film Festival serves as cultural beacon: Minister
During a signing ceremony for the festival's memorandum of understanding in Shiraz, Salehi emphasized that showcasing Iran's vibrancy to the world is crucial. "The more we can demonstrate that Iran remains lively and resilient despite challenges, the more we achieve our national interests," he stated, IRNA reported.
Salehi highlighted the festival's role beyond cinema, viewing it as a national endeavor that fosters social confidence and normalizes the atmosphere.
He noted that the presence of numerous countries at the event contributes to this effect. "The Fajr International Film Festival is not merely a cinematic event; it is a national undertaking," he affirmed.
The minister also acknowledged cinema's pivotal role in public diplomacy and cultural representation, describing it as a "recognized face" of Iranian culture.
He expressed pride in the festival's esteemed status, attributing it to the collective efforts of the Iranian cinematic community.
Regarding Shiraz as the festival's host city, Salehi praised its symbolic national significance. "Shiraz, the city of Sa’adi and Hafez, symbolizes Persian poetry and art," he remarked.
He suggested that the festival offers an opportunity to redefine the relationship between poetry and cinema, aligning them as complementary wings of Iranian-Islamic civilization.
The signing ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Fars Governor General Hossein Ali Amiri, who emphasized the province's rich cultural heritage.
Amiri noted that the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has referred to Fars as "the land of religion, epic, and art," highlighting its embodiment of these values.