Kiarostami globalized Iran children cinema: IFFCY president

Late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami has turned Iranian children cinema into a global brand, the president of the 30th International Film Festival for Children and Youth (IFFCY) says.

IFFCY President Alireza Rezadad made the remark in a recent meeting with members of the international films jury board.

“Unfortunately, we lost Abbas Kiarostami last year. He was the filmmaker who introduced Iranian cinema to the world and made it a global brand. Majid Majidi is another professional director working in children cinema. I liked to pay tribute to these great filmmakers,” Rezadad said.

The IFFCY international jury panel also paid tribute to late Kiarostami during the 7-day event in the historical Iranian city of Isfahan.

“Isfahan is an exceptional city in Iran. That is the reason why the festival is titled Isfahan International Film Festival for Children and Youth. The international festival has been active since 30 years ago,” Rezadad noted.

The festival president went on to highlight the country’s potential for success in the animation film industry.

“We must make the utmost use of these potentials. The festival must take animation industry seriously, encourage animators, and attract the audience' attention to animation production,” he added.

The International Film Festival for Children and Youth was underway in Isfahan from June 30 to July 6, screening more than 50 films with guests from 44 countries in attendance.

AI/AI