Iran, Russia plan joint investment in films, animation, video games
Iran and Russia plan to expand film cooperation and begin joint investment in films, animation and video games, Iranian Culture Minister Abbas Salehi said, as Tehran and Moscow seek to cement cultural ties.
Salehi said the two sides would sign a “strong and solid document” during his visit to Russia to strengthen cooperation in cinema, including animation and video games, IRNA reported on Saturday.
“The first step would be joint investment, followed by faster production of joint projects,” he said.
“The cooperation could cover feature films, animation and short and feature-length documentaries aimed at demonstrating the cultural capacities of Iran and Russia to each other and to audiences in other countries,” the minister said.
Cinema for children and young people would also be included, Salehi added.
According to the minister, cultural cooperation between Tehran, central Iran, and Moscow, western Russia, already covers books and publishing, cinema, music, visual arts and performing arts. In coming years, however, greater emphasis is expected on cinema, animation and computer and video games.
Iranian Culture Days in Russia will also formally open on Monday in Moscow with the participation of the two countries’ culture ministers. After Moscow, programs will be held in Kazan, western Russia, and Astrakhan, southwestern Russia.
Salehi made the comments on the sidelines of the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum underway in northwestern Russia.
The forum is an international cultural event focused on dialogue and cooperation among countries and cultures, covering culture, arts, cultural heritage, creative industries and international cultural cooperation. Government officials, artists, experts and representatives of cultural institutions from various countries take part in the event.
The forum’s official website describes it as a platform for intercultural dialogue and the development of international cultural cooperation.