32nd ICFF opens filmmaking Olympiad for youth

The 32nd edition of the International Film Festival for Children and Youth (ICFF) in Isfahan has opened the third edition of the Youth Film Making Olympiad.

The Olympiad is part of a program annually arranged on the sidelines of the ICFF.

Set to run until August 21, the Olympiad has been launched as a special competition section for 3-minute films made by 9 to 16-year-old children.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the director of the festival Alireza Tabesh said the organizers aim to discover young talents in filmmaking through the program.

“The participation of famous filmmakers and cineastes will give you the chance to learn more from them and help you plan for your future wishes and dreams,” he added.

Veteran animator Abdollah Alimorad and filmmakers Iraj Tahmasb, Pouran Derakhshandeh, Abolfazl Jalili, Kambozia Partovi, Marzieh Boroumand, Ali-Akbar Qazi-Nezam and Vahid Nik-Khah-Azad will share knowledge and experience with the participants during the program.

In his brief words, Alimorad said learning animation does not mean that they will become professional animators.

He also noted that “We intend to grow your talents. If you are deeply in love with this art you will surely reach the highest levels, since doing animation is a difficult job.”

Boroumand recommended the participants to read more books, adding “Any individual who reads books will be much more successful in a job he or she would choose in the future. Turning into good people with high morality is much more important than only becoming big filmmakers when you grow up.”

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/MG