‘Films are visiting cards of countries’

Films serve as "visiting cards" in the best possible shape for countries, A-list Austrian producer at the Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) says.

Veit Heiduschka said during an interview with media on the sidelines of the FIFF in Tehran, “What I always say is that films are the best possible visiting cards for any given country. Because in the film you can show how a country is now. In a film you have the music, the environment, and the feeling of the country."

Heiduschka has produced some 50 feature films with international contributors and well-known directors such as Michael Haneke – best known for directing films such as ‘Funny Games’.

“Haneke likes Iranian cinema and maybe he tries to catch up with its movies as well. He was in Cannes to watch ‘The Salesman’ and he really liked it. I was a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Association and Farhadi’s film was nominated,” Heiduschka noted.

He also expressed promise in future Fajr International Film Festivals, saying they can qualify as top-notch international events.

The 35th Fajr International Film Festival is hosting some 177 filmmakers, directors, and producers, representing 92 Iranian and international film companies and distribution networks.

This year’s event takes place in Tehran from April 21-28.

AI/AG