Abolfazl Jalili believes that we must use power of media and invite international journalists in order to publicize Iranian Cinema and Fajr International Film Festival.
In an interview with the public relations office of the 34th FIFF, Jalili stated, “One of the shortcomings of Iranian Cinematic Festivals is the poor attendance of international critics and journalists. Providing that we invite prominent international critics and filmmakers as jury members, guests, or workshop instructors, we can pave the way for making our cinema known to the world.”
Jalili added, “This year, we have concentrated on international cinema and reduced the number of Iranian films, which is a good thing for strengthening the international aspect of the festival. International critics, filmmakers, and journalists ought to participate in Fajr International Film Festival actively. This festival is an appropriate opportunity for introducing international films to Iranian cinephiles. In other words, we ought to focus on international cinema more than Iranian films, particularly films from countries with which we have cultural commonalities.”
According to this director, international critics, filmmakers, and journalists’ participation and exchanging information with them is one of the greatest achievements of Fajr International Film Festival. He said, “Because of the red lines in our country, it is not possible to screen any foreign film in this festival. Prominent international filmmakers do not verify their works’ screening; therefore, we should create the necessary circumstances to enable the countries with which we have cultural commonalities to participate in FIFF – an approach that the festival team has taken.”
Replying to the question about whether or not FIFF can make Iranian filmmakers internationally known, Jalili explained, “We ought to invite well-known, prominent international filmmakers, festival directors, and critics to FIFF and introduce our cinema to them through this festival. The professional organization of FIFF can pave the way for introducing Iranian cineastes to the world. In order to make a festival globally known, we’d better make use of media power.”
Jalili also pointed out, “Whoever comes to Iran is influenced by Iranian people’s hospitality and kindness. We can expand our cinema through our good manners. As long as we invite internationally important critics and filmmakers to FIFF, we can take advantage of their experiences and organize our festival in a much more efficient way. International critics and filmmakers’ participation in Fajr can leave a valuable impact on Iranian cinema and help our filmmakers become more familiar with modern cinematic knowledge.”
The 34th edition of Fajr International Film Festival will be held from April 20th to April 25th, 2016 in Charsou Cineplex, under the supervision of the well-known Iranian filmmaker, Mr. Reza Mirkarimi, who is also the Managing Director of Khaneh Cinema.
For more information on Fajr International Film Festival, visit the festival website, www.fajriff.com.
