Manouchehr Shahsavari named Fajr Festival director

In a recent appointment, Manouchehr Shahsavari has been named the director of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF).

This appointment was made by Raed Faridzadeh, director of Iran's Cinema Organization (ICO), who highlighted the importance of collaboration with cinema professionals, guilds, and cultural institutions to ensure the festival's success.

The organization hopes this approach will foster unity and align with the broader cultural policies of the country.

A significant change for the 43rd edition of the festival will be the separation of the national and international sections.

The international section, noted for its role in promoting Iran’s cultural diplomacy and one of the top 14 competitive festivals recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, will be held independently at a later date agreed upon with the federation.

Shahsavari brings considerable experience to his role, not only as a producer of notable films such as ‘Mazar Sharif’, ‘Season of Rainy Days’, ‘A Real Report’, ‘Dilemma’, and ‘Moon and Sun’ but also as a respected figure in various executive roles.

His previous positions include vice president of Iran’s House of Cinema, board member of the Film Producers and Distributors Guild, and chairman of the Screening Guild Council.