Sobh Media Festival launches global film market

The 3rd Sobh International Media Festival has marked a milestone this year with the introduction of its newest segment — the Sobh Film Market.

Launched for the first time in 2025, the market quickly became a centerpiece of international engagement and industry interest.

The festival is directed by Ehsan Kaveh, who also serves as the CEO of iFilm TV channel, bringing a wealth of experience and vision to the event.

The Sobh Film Market was managed by Fatemeh Javahersaz, who is also the head of iFilm English TV channel. Her leadership was instrumental in coordinating the market’s diverse participants and ensuring its smooth and successful execution.

Welcoming a diverse array of film and television professionals from around the world, the inaugural market drew representatives from countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.

Among the notable international companies present were Namarasana Cultural and Artistic Institute (Afghanistan), Ghuddi OTT Platform (Bangladesh), Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Beijing Shangyi Film and Television (China), Sunnyway Films (China), Yunnan Film Studio (China), Flock Studio (OTT VOD, India), and TVRI (Indonesia).

Iranian participation was equally strong, with a significant presence from both independent distribution companies and state-affiliated media outlets.

Companies such as Aria Industry of Imagination, Bahr Films Group, Farabi Cinema Foundation, and Namava, alongside major institutions like the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS) and Soureh Cinema Organization, contributed to the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

Key television networks under the IRIB umbrella — including Alalam, Press TV, Hispan TV, Sahar TV, and others — also took part, further underscoring the national commitment to promoting Iranian media abroad.

Festival organizers reported that the film market was “warmly received”, with several meetings between producers, distributors, and network executives resulting in signed cooperation agreements and future project development plans.

The success of this inaugural edition is expected to pave the way for an expanded market in future editions of the Sobh Festival.