Iran-Azerbaijan flick to attend Fajr

Iran and Azerbaijan co-production ‘The Castle of Love’ has requested to attend the 37th edition of the Fajr Film Festival.

The film that is directed by Ilham Qasimov and depicts an epic romantic story has now filled out the form requesting to compete at the latest edition of the Iranian film festival.

The story of this new romantic flick is like most fairytales involving a young princess who has lots of suitors. This young Azerbaijani princess, though, is in love with an Iranian eligible bachelor.

One of her suitors who is also an Azerbaijani prince does everything in his power, including a series of fights with the Iranian man to win her heart.

Reza Naji, one of the stars of ‘The Castle of Love’ is an award-winning Iranian actor. His memorable portrayal of a poor father in Majid Majidi’s ‘The Song of Sparrows’ won him a Silver Bear for Best Actor from the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival.

Also among the cast members of the film are some actors from Azerbaijan, including Elm al-Din Jafarov, Chenareh Malekzadeh, Zia Aqa and Kamala Piriyeva.

Established in 1982, the Fajr Film Festival celebrates cultural exchange, displays creative achievements of highly acclaimed cineastes and pays tribute to local and international films.

Since its establishment, the Fajr Film Festival has played a vital role in the development of Iranian Cinema.

Supervised by Iran’s Ministry of Culture, the festival hosts veteran directors and new filmmakers from Iran and across the world every year.

AA/MG