Resistance Film Festival currently underway in Tehran

The 18th edition of the International Resistance Film Festival is currently underway in Tehran, drawing participation from Iranian and international artists.

The event is held under the patronage of Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Organization for Mobilization of the Oppressed (Basij-eh Mostaz'afin Organization).

In his remarks on the opening day of the festival, Soleimani emphasized the role of the festival as a platform for "global awakening" through resistance cinema.

He referenced the ongoing suffering in Gaza, stating that more than 60,000 civilians have been killed since the start of Al-Aqsa Flood Operation, including more than 200 in a single day.

Soleimani described the Zionist entity as "the cancerous tumor" Imam Khomeini (RA) had warned of, and called on filmmakers to use art as a tool to reveal this reality.

He stressed that resistance cinema must continue to spread awareness and reflect the voice of the oppressed, calling for the establishment of educational institutions focused on film and theater to strengthen this cultural front.

Festival director Jalal Ghaffari-Qadir highlighted significant growth in the current edition, stating that the number of submitted works has tripled compared to the previous years.

He noted that this year’s festival began at Hosseiniyeh Jamaran, with its symbolic red carpet laid at the Hosseiniyeh of Imam Khomeini—a spiritual and revolutionary space that has inspired the oppressed worldwide.

Referring to remarks by Iran’s leader, Ghaffari-Qadir added that Iran can hold a unique position in the emerging global landscape by advancing the concept of resistance.

He stressed the importance of defining the relationship between resistance and cinema within this framework.

This year’s festival also marks the first time artificial intelligence has been formally incorporated into the event.

According to Ghaffari-Qadir, more than 5,000 works were officially registered through the festival portal, with around 400 of them submitted under the new AI-powered productions category.

He explained that this addition was introduced to recognize filmmakers who effectively integrate scientific innovation into cinematic storytelling.

The festival continues this week in the Iranian capital, with screenings, panels, and cultural programs showing themes of resistance from around the world.