Mojtaba Amini, the director of the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) underway in Tehran has underlined that the issue of “constructive criticism” will lead to the promotion of the Festival’s quality.
According to a report by the media center of the Festival on February 6, 2024, the director elaborated on the current edition of the event during the program ‘Cinema 24’ on the news network.
In the live conversation, Amini expressed, ‘As they say, the Fajr Festival is all about its controversies!’, adding that in all its editions, the prestigious event has had both substance and controversy, a combination that enriches the festival.
“Criticism improves the ten-day festival and excites filmmakers and media.”
He also said that first-time filmmakers have promoted this year’s festival, adding that some movies from the New Perspective can participate in the section “Soday-e Simorgh”.
Amini further added that public screenings have made a comeback after the coronavirus pandemic abated, noting that there are even several second screenings during the Festival every night, some of which may last until 2:00 a.m.
He also said that this year, 106 movies expressed readiness to participate in the national section, but the Festival can host only 22 films in the Simorgh section and 11 flicks in the New Perspective section.
Every filmmaker desires to present his cinematic work at the Festival, but the constraints must be taken into consideration, he said
The secretary of the FIFF termed the Festival as an opportunity for friendship and unity among cinema professionals.
Regarding the jury members of this edition, Amini said, “The jury started work from the early days of the Festival and most films have been reviewed,” adding that women jurors have taken part in every section, for example, short films and documentaries, and they will also attend the national section.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Mojtaba Amini thanked Peyman Jebelli, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), and Mohsen Barmahani, Jebelli’s deputy, for their excellent coverage of this year’s festival.
He concluded that all his colleagues had worked hard for the Festival and also appreciated the efforts of media outlets, news agencies, and critics, hoping that everyone would enjoy the flagship event.
