‘Fajr intl. festival venue for top movies’

The director of the upcoming Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) says only top movies have been selected to compete for awards or to premiere at this year’s event.

Most of the movies selected, including feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries, are yet to have their regional or world premieres, including those from the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, FIFF director, Reza Mirkarimi, said during a conference in Tehran on Monday.

“No one will interfere in the judging process. All jury members have been selected after careful considerations. The festival determines its policies through the selection process and not by the type of awards,” Mirkarimi highlighted.

He added that the Fajr celebration is not a red carpet annual event.

“We are not looking for celebrities to participate. There are just about three screening venues, unlike those in other countries which require 30 screening theaters. The programmers have selected the movies that respect Iran’s cultural and religious codes,” he noted.

The Fajr festival is designed to serve Iran’s national interests, to be the first in the region and in Asia, Mirkarimi said, adding that, ultimately it will become one of the most important film events in the world.

“To this end, there have been major changes in the overall structure of the festival. Many foreign guests have applied to take part this year, a sign that the festival is doing well,” he said.

This year’s Fajr event has been dedicated to prominent Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, who passed away last year. Invited guests will have a chance to discuss Kiarostami’s life and works during three special programs in this year’s international event.

The 35th edition of the Fajr International Film Festival will take place in the Iranian capital, Tehran, from April 21 -28.

AI/AI