National classic films as Iran's cinema treasure: Kianoush Ayyari

Kianoush Ayyari, the director of 1987 'Beyond the Fire', has said that Iranian classic films are extraordinary works and treasures of Iranian cinema.

The director of the movie 'Beyond the Fire', who talked to Iran Press News Agency on the sideline of the 38th annual Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) currently underway in Iran, stated that, “due to the good position of Iranian cinema in the world, the classic works of Iranian cinema should be restored and maintained.”

Ayyari, whose restored classic movie opened the 38th edition of the FIFF, emphasized that old and lasting films are the identity of Iranian cinema and it is important to preserve these films in the modern era of filmmaking.

'Beyond the Fire' is about two brothers who are arguing over a little amount of money that the National Iranian Oil Company has given them in exchange for their house in village. But a poor milkmaid is a reason for them to reconcile.

Kianoush Ayyari also announced his latest production series called '87 meters' will soon be broadcast on the television of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Writer and director Ayyari is famous for his realistic style and unique stories like heart transplantation in his movie ‘To Be or Not to Be’.

Ayari started his cinematic career by making 8mm short films. His first professional movie was ‘Tanoureyeh Div’. His movie ‘The Abadanis’ won the Silver Leopard for the best movie at the Locarno Film Festival in 1994.

The opening ceremony of the 38th Fajr International Film Festival was held on Wednesday evening, May 26, 2021, at the Charsou Cineplex in Tehran, and the festival will wrap up on June 2. During the festival, more than 300 films will be screened. 

The festival is all about celebrating the big screen where national and international movie makers are hoping to attract contracts in industry money. It is Iran’s largest annual film festival, an event that celebrates cultural exchange, displays creative achievements of highly acclaimed cineastes and pays tribute to quality local and international films.

Since its establishment, the festival has played a vital role in the development of Iranian cinema. Every year, veteran directors and new filmmakers devotedly present their works in the gathering. It is widely considered one of the most prestigious and influential in Asia, Europe and Middle East.

In addition, the 38th FIFF has put on display selected film posters from the 1980s and 1990s era at this year’s cinematic event.

The posters at the Charsou Cineplex in Tehran depict Iranian and Cuban movies from the classic period.

MM/FM