Films from 44 countries to vie at ICFF

Representatives of 44 countries have been set to compete at the 32nd edition of the International Film Festival for Children and Youth (ICFF) in Iran’s historical city of Isfahan.

Speaking to reporters in Isfahan, the festival's director Alireza Tabesh said the festival this year will play 158 feature and short films, short animations, web series and special shows from Iran and 44 other countries.

“For Isfahan to be introduced as a creative city, it should continue its activities for children and the youth,” he added.

Tabesh also noted that this year’s festival is to pay special attention to the historical and cultural Street of Chahar Bagh. Even the journalists would be stationed in this historical area. Most of the festival’s events, such as the Q&A sessions, will be held in the area.

Addressing the same gathering, the Festival Executive Manager Iman Hojjati said that this international festival could play a key role for luring more tourists in this historical city.

He also noted that Isfahan is a member of the Creative Cities Network in UNESCO and a child-friendly city, adding that it is also expected that this city could play an effective role in the future of the economy with the help of creative industries, such as filmmaking.

Hojjati added “In the last year’s festival, for the first time, about 9,000 children from low-income areas were registered to attend the festival through cultural corporations. They watched the films. Also for the first time, 30 NGO’s directly collaborated with the event.”

According to the 32nd ICFF website, the event aims to enhance the cinematic products of this age bracket and introduce the top works in national and international arenas.

The festival aims to promote ethical values such as family unity, appropriate lifestyle, respect for humanity, self-esteem, social responsibility, environmental protection and it also seeks to create awareness of the uprising future challenges.

The ICFF is organized annually by the Iranian Organization of Cinema and Audiovisual Affairs, Farabi Cinema Foundation and the Municipality of Isfahan.

Showcasing quality national and international films and works for children and young adults; creating a platform for the presence of professionals and cineastes active in the cinema industry for children and young adults; boosting collaboration and production of films for children and young adults by creating interaction among creators, experts and the audience; and promoting knowledge transfer and exchange of products of high artistic value, capable of contributing to cultural as well as social growth are among main objectives of the festival.

The 32nd ICFF is slated for August 19-26, 2019 in the Iranian historic city of Isfahan.

MG/AG