We need to accept that cinema is a symbol of public diplomacy, the common language between nations, and the key to progress, Mohammad Khazaee, the head of the Iranian Organization of Cinema and Audiovisual Affairs, has said.
He made the remarks on the sideline of the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) while meeting with the heads of cinematic organizations from the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Cinema diplomacy serves as a tool to bridge the gap between nations, Khazaee said, adding that that’s why we would like to undertake joint projects, have cultural interactions, and play a role in bringing nations closer together.
He expressed hope that the meeting would lead to common goals and, ultimately, an executive program.
Khazaee also highlighted the potential of cinema to attract tourists when countries are presented in the right way.
He also said that sometimes relations between nations are cold and cinema can help improve them.
“We, the manager of cinema industry, can have a big role in creating a global civilization that is taking form”, he said.
Furthermore, Khazaee mentioned Iran’s readiness to collaborate with other countries in producing joint movies.
In the current Iranian calendar year (starting on March 21, 2023), Iran has received eight requests for joint production, he said, expressing hope that these joint productions would commence in the next Iranian year.
He listed China, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, India, Greece, Pakistan, and Russia as countries that have suggested joint productions with Iran.
Providing an overview of Iranian cinema, Khazaee said that the industry produces between 80 to 100 movies annually.
At the end of the meeting, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed by the attending managers.
Cinema is a symbol of public diplomacy: Top cinematic official
