Doc panel addresses challenges, condolences at Sobh Festival

The 2nd Sobh International Media Festival has hosted a specialized panel on documentary filmmaking.

A diverse group of documentary filmmakers from around the globe discussed industry challenges and media-related issues at Tehran's Mellat Cineplex on May 20.

Prominent participants included Ukrainian-American film producer Igor Lopatonok, Libyan-Lebanese journalist and filmmaker Radwan Mortada, Irish documentarian Sean Murray, American journalist and filmmaker Dan Cohen, and Iranian documentarian Hassan Yadegari.

The panel was moderated by Iranian cinema activist Bahman Nouraee.

The participants also expressed their heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy and solidarity with the Iranian people over the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their companions on Sunday.

“It is a tragedy for the Iranian people and a real loss for Iran. But every time Iran takes a knock, they come back stronger,” Murray said.

“We were all shocked by their loss. We feel the pain and share the sadness of the Iranian people. I believe that with strong will and faith, the nation can become stronger again,” Lopatonok noted.

“It is an absolute tragedy, and my heart goes out to the families of the president and everyone on board. No doubt, Iran will continue its way. I am optimistic that Zionism and American imperialism are in decline,” Cohen said.

“It is a disaster for sure, and we share your pain. I believe that Iran will overcome this and become stronger,” Mortada remarked.

Yadegari referred to his documentary about President Raeisi, titled ‘Fire, Rosary, and Ebrahim’, and expressed his sadness over the loss and hope for a stronger future for Iran.

Organized by the IRIB World Service and aimed to foster artistic creativity and facilitate positive cultural interactions through various media-related activities, including workshops and seminars, the festival ran on May 17-21.

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