Members of Fajr jury panel praise event

Jurors of the 37th annual Fajr International Film Festival praise the cinematic event held in Iran.

In a Thursday presser, Irish director and producer Douglas Fahleson, who served on the jury for the Interfaith Award of the fest, said the event “went beyond his expectations”, describing Iranian cinema as “exceptional.”

Turkish film critic and FIFF’s International Critics Jury member Cüneyt Cebenoyan, expressed his delight over attending the festival, saying that he will be taking back many memories to his home country.

German director and member of the International Competition Jury Peter Fleischmann, said the Iranian audience members are experienced and able to understand any movie.

The director also said that he was moved by the passion for films at the festival.

Portuguese director and producer Ines Mendes Gil expressed great pleasure in being a member of the Interfaith Jury, hailing Iranian hospitality and the exchange of experiences at the festival as “top-notch”.

Georgian director and Asian Award jury member Rusudan Glurjidze spoke highly of the movies she saw this year, emphasizing one can only see such movies at the Fajr International Film Festival.

German film critic Barbara Lorey who saw 15 films as an International Jury Member described her experience as a chance to see the Iranian people in person and firsthand, adding, “you could only understand the culture if you travel here.”

Macedonian actress Labina Mitevska noted seeing some fine pieces as a member of the International Competition Jury, stating that she “was lucky enough to watch and enjoy many smart movies.”

The 37th edition of the Fajr International Festival kicked off on April 18 and the festival's closing ceremony was held on April 25.

MB/AG