Iran, Hong Kong to coproduce films

Head of Iranian Cinema Organization and his Hong Kong counterpart have welcomed co-production of feature films.

Head of Iranian Cinema Organization Mohammad-Mehdi Heidarian and his Hong Kong counterpart Mah Nuk Kuk recently met on the sidelines of the 35th edition of the Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran.

“We are managing to help the film communities of Iran and Hong Kong to coproduce films. Iran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation will direct the joint projects,” Heidarian said.

He also noted that the Iranian Cinema Organization is focused on distributing films in Chinese and Hong Kong markets.

Referring to participation of Hong Kong filmmakers in the Fajr International Film Festival and the related film market, the Iranian official said the country’s companies and institutions should also attend the Hong Kong’s film market.

For his part, Nuk Kuk expressed hope that the countries pave the way quickly for more cooperation in cinema, principally in coproduction of movies.

The Hong Kong official stressed that Iran and his country should collaborate in film production as well as holding festivals and cultural events.

He also referred to discussions between Hong Kong officials and the Farabi Cinema Foundation, saying, “Last year, preparations were made in collaboration with our Iranian colleagues to explore the possibility of doing co-productions. We are now at Fajr festival with a comprehensive plan for it along with our state and private entities, filmmakers and companies.”

Nuk Kuk also expressed hope that they make Fajr 2017 a turning point in helping to fully implement the comprehensive plan, including coproduction of films.

Established in 1982, the Fajr International 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 International 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.

The 35th FIFF is slated for April 21-28 in Tehran.

 MG/AI