ICFF honors children cinema veterans

The 32nd edition of the International Film Festival for Children and Youth (ICFF) in Iran has honored veteran actress Maryam Saadat and animator Mahin Javaherian for their lifetime achievements in children’s cinema.

Speaking during the honoring ceremony in Isfahan on Friday, the festival director Alireza Tabesh said “The two artists have devoted their lives to children.”

“They both love Iran and it is obvious in their works. Ms. Javaherian, I admire your works for the Iranian identity, color and taste,” he added.

Leili Rashidi, costar of Saadat in popular TV series ‘Tabeta Tales’ (1994) by Marzieh Boroumand said that she is proud of working with the veteran actress in the series and several puppet shows.

Director and actor Seyyed-Javad Hashemi said “You can’t imagine how deeply we are all indebted to Ms. Saadat for her work in children’s cinema. I wish our children had the opportunity to know her.”

Accepting the award, Saadat who also has a long career in puppet theater, said “Aging doesn’t mean you are experienced, your work and activities should show that. However, I accept the award to overwhelm the tiredness I have suffered from the 40 years of working in this field.”

Receiving the award, Javaherian thanked her husband and friends and said, “I really love the children of my country and I love working for them.”

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.

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

MG/MG