Iranian producers welcome decision to hold Fajr filmfest

Iranian producers have welcomed the decision to hold the upcoming edition of the Fajr Film Festival (FFF) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Noting that the COVID-19 took its toll on film industry in Iran like other countries, the Film Producers Guild of Iran said in a statement on Wednesday any sign of the existence of Iranian cinema and its readiness for a better future must be cherished.

“Undoubtedly, holding the important Fajr festival – with precautionary measures in place – will be a sign of the existence of Iranian cinema,” the statement said.

Referring to the Fajr as one of the most important cultural and artistic events in Iran, the statement said the festival can take place like other important international festivals.

Earlier this week, Mohammad-Mehdi Tabatabaeenejad, the head of the FFF, announced that the 2021 edition of the event will be held without public screenings and will only see jurors watching and judging the participating movies.

Tabatabaeenejad said the festival may hold physical screenings for audiences, if the coronavirus situation improves.

The FFF coincides with the Ten-Day Fajr ceremonies across Iran, marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Since its establishment in 1982, the FFF 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 every year.

SQ/MG