Iran, Turkey sign cinema cooperation pact to boost joint production
Iran and Turkey formalized a broad cinema cooperation agreement during the International Cinema Cooperation Conference in Shiraz, held December 1–3 alongside the Fajr International Film Festival.
Raed Faridzadeh, head of Cinema Organization of Iran, and Birol Güven, the General Director of Cinema of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, signed the pact, IRNA reported.
The agreement sets a framework for joint projects across multiple genres, including feature, documentary, short, and animated films, emphasizing shared historical and cultural themes.
It allows films from both countries to be exchanged and screened in targeted markets, aiming to broaden audiences and boost international reach.
Filmmakers will gain mutual access to studios and shooting locations, easing logistical challenges and supporting the smooth execution of co‑productions.
The pact also encourages exchanges of filmmakers, technical crews, and specialists, while offering students and instructors opportunities for cross‑border learning to strengthen professional and educational capacities.
Regular film‑weeks in Iran and Turkey are planned to introduce audiences to each other’s cinema and reinforce cultural diplomacy. Officials described the initiative as “a strategic step” for deepening bilateral cultural and cinematic ties.
The Shiraz conference drew ministers, deputy ministers, senior cinema executives, and ambassadors from 23 countries, signaling regional interest in cross‑border collaboration. The forum provided a platform to discuss joint production models, co‑funding, and regulatory alignment to support festival participation and international distribution.
Observers said the pact builds on years of informal collaboration between Iranian and Turkish filmmakers, ranging from co‑produced shorts and documentaries to festival exchanges. Previous efforts were largely project‑based; the new agreement establishes a formal structure with operational and strategic guidelines for sustained cooperation.