Resistance fest slams cinema’s silence

The Secretary General of the 18th Resistance Int'l Film Festival (RIFF), Jalal Ghaffari, has strongly condemned the silence of international film festivals regarding the atrocities committed in Gaza.

Speaking during a meeting with media activists from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Armenia, Ghaffari highlighted that over 500 films centered on resistance were submitted to the festival’s 18th edition.

Ghaffari emphasized that the festival remains the only global cinematic event dedicated to supporting the oppressed. He stated:

“Our goal is to be a global voice for the oppressed. Cinema is the most important cultural tool for conveying messages to the world, but unfortunately, colonial powers have exploited the film industry to serve their inhumane goals.”

Addressing the ongoing war in Gaza, Ghaffari pointed out that more than 50,000 women, children, and innocent civilians have been killed, yet international film festivals remain silent.

In contrast, he proudly announced that the Resistance Film Festival had received over 500 international films depicting Gaza’s struggle and resistance.

Ghaffari also criticized the use of cinema as a means to distort reality, accusing some regimes of using films to polish their image and portray themselves as victims.

He asserted that the Resistance Film Festival seeks to break this media blackout and provide a platform to expose the suffering of the oppressed.

In his concluding remarks, Ghaffari expressed hope for a future based on justice and humanity, saying:

“Certainly, the world of tomorrow will be more just and merciful, and we hope to be part of this noble human society.”

Esrafil Kaliji, an official from the festival’s International Committee, reinforced the idea that the concept of resistance is one of the highest human values and should have a strong presence in global cinema.

He criticized the hegemonic forces controlling the film industry, stating:

“The cinema of resistance stands firmly against this system and seeks to break its monopoly on the global cultural scene.”

Calling on independent media professionals to support resistance cinema, Kaliji urged them to stand on the right side of history and help amplify the voices of the oppressed.

The Resistance International Film Festival positions itself as a cultural front against global media control, aiming to challenge the narrative imposed by dominant powers and provide a platform for free and independent media to reveal the truth.