Fajr fest to return as stand‑alone event

The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival in Iran is set to run from November 26 to December 3, 2025.

The festival’s official call for entries will be released on Saturday, August 30.

This year’s event will be led by Rouhollah Hosseini, who was earlier appointed as the festival director by the head of the Iranian Cinema Organization.

Recognized as Iran’s premier platform for global cinema, the Fajr International Film Festival attracts established directors, emerging talent, critics, and film enthusiasts from across the world. Over the course of a week, it showcases a mix of Iranian and international films, alongside workshops, masterclasses, and industry panels aimed at fostering cultural exchange.

The Fajr International Film Festival is Iran’s leading global cinema event, drawing filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals from around the world to Iran each year.

It was launched in 1982 by Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance as part of nationwide celebrations for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

For decades, the festival was a combined showcase for both domestic and international cinema under the banner Fajr Film Festival. In 2016, the international segment was separated into its own event, allowing it to focus exclusively on global films, intercultural dialogue, and industry networking.

After being held alongside the national section of the Fajr Film Festival for the past two years, the event will once again take place as an independent festival this year.

Its top prize, the Crystal Simorgh, is awarded in competitive sections, alongside other honors such as the Diploma of Honor.

Over the years, the event has grown from a spotlight on feature films to include short films, documentaries, animation, and promotional works.