The virtual film market of the 38th Fajr International Film Festival is well underway in the Iranian capital for a period of five days. It’s a great chance for young Iranian directors and producers to promote their productions to the movers and shakers of the global industry.
The strong interest in the online platform, the bustling activity of sales businesses, the high demand for the Online Market screenings, and the extensive use of the program and active networking formats show that the Iranian industry has actively immersed itself in the market during the festival. It’s especially encouraging to see the number of completed films and films currently in production that are being registered as sold.
Representatives of more than 75 major film festivals, including Antalya, Golden Apricot, Batumi, BFI London, Busan, Carthage, Chennai, Chicago, Dhaka, Dublin, and dozens of other festivals are present in the 38th edition. Broadcasting companies introduce their films to the representatives of these festivals without paying the registration and entrance fee. Since the beginning of the festival, more than a thousand appointments have been arranged between the participants in the Film Market.
The outline of screening programs includes 59 feature and 26 short films. The first two days of the market saw the screening of more than 100 movies for over 200 international guests, distribution companies, and festival agents. What’s more, the online platform has made it much easier for Iranian producers and film makers to have direct contacts with international distribution firms and festival agents.
Last but not the least, over a thousand sales agency meeting agreements have been reached in the Film Market. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Film Market became a standalone online market created to support the international film industry and help professionals. It is being held from May 26-30, intended to mimic the market experience of Fajr, with live and real-time meetings.
Nearly 230 agents, experts and guests from local and international distribution companies are taking take part in virtual meetings as well. The movers and shakers of the industry continue to discuss and acquire rights to films across a range of categories. Iranian cinema is strongly represented this year.
The 2021 FIFF is underway in Tehran until June 2. The festival is presided over by Iranian film director and screenwriter Mohammad Mehdi Asgarpour.
