Article 1- Aims
Set in the heart of Iran’s capital city Tehran, Fajr International Film Festival pays tribute to quality local and international films. It is an event that celebrates cultural exchange, displays creative achievements of highly acclaimed cineastes and showcases films promoting artistic contribution to the medium. Moreover, the festival also looks at films that seek justice, defend the oppressed and underline humane and moral values in this intolerant and dehumanized world.
The festival focuses especially on films from the Middle East and Central Asia as well as works heralding peace and friendship as true teachings of the holy prophets.
The 34th edition of Fajr International Film Festival will be held from April 20th to 25th, 2016 in Tehran, under the supervision of well-known Iranian filmmaker, Mr. Reza Mirkarimi, who is also managing director of Khaneh Cinema.
Article 2- Eligibility and Formats
Eligible films:
- Feature films of at least 75 minutes running time, intended for theatrical release.
- Short films of at most 15 minutes running time.
Accepted formats: Non-encrypted DCP, Apple ProRes 4444 or Full HD File (plus a blu-ray backup)
Date of completion: Within the 12 months prior to the Festival
The regional premieres are of high priority for competitive sections.
All films have to be registered online at online film entry.
Each selected film will receive a Certificate of Participation (in PDF format).
The Festival Director has the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.
Article 3- Selection Process and Programming
The Festival Director invites films to participate in the festival and is advised by a team of Iranian and international professionals about their selection. All films submitted to the festival may be considered for all sections unless specifically instructed by the applicant.
The duly completed online entry form as well as the downloadable previewing links for selection must reach the Festival Department by the assigned deadline (January 30th, 2016).
Formats accepted for previewing and selection purpose are downloadable links (Vimeo, Dropbox, or ftp).
Once a film has been selected it cannot be withdrawn from the Festival programme.
Article 4- Programmes
Festival sections are categorized as follows:
- International Competition (Cinema Salvation).
- Panorama of Films from Asian and Islamic Countries (Eastern Vista).
- Festival of Festivals (Cup of Divination).
- Special Screenings (documentaries and memorials).
- Retrospectives and Tributes.
- Talent Campus.
- Student Lab.
- Masterclasses, Workshops and Seminars.
Article 5- International Competition – Cinema Salvation
There will be at most 9 international and 3 Iranian films in each short and feature-length categories for inclusion in this section.
Article 6- International Jury
The festival will designate at least five jury members for the International Competition – Cinema Salvation section.
The festival will appoint at least three jury members for the Best Feature Film from Asian and Islamic Countries, included in the Competition and Panorama sections.
Individuals that have direct ties with the production or exploitation of a film are not to be on the Jury team.
Article 7 – Awards
Feature Films in International Competition:
- Golden Simorgh for Best Film (awarded to the film director) + Iranian Rials 300.000.000 Cash Prize (divided equally between producer and director)
- Silver Simorgh for Best Director + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
- Silver Simorgh for Best Actress + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
- Silver Simorgh for Best Actor + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
- Silver Simorgh for Best Script + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
- Silver Simorgh for Special Jury Prize to Outstanding Artistic Contribution in the categories camera, editing, music score, costume or set design + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
Short Films in International Competition:
- Silver Simorgh for Best Short Film (awarded to the film director) + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
Award for the Best Feature Film from Asian and Islamic Countries:
- Diploma of Honor + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
Audience Award:
- Diploma of Honor + Iranian Rials 100.000.000 Cash Prize
Muhammad Al-Ameen Award for Reflection of Prophetic Ethics and Morality:
- Golden Trophy + Diploma of Honor
In the verdict of each jury, the prize list must not contain joint awards and no film can receive more than two awards.
The payment of Cash Prizes will be based on the currency rates available during the festival period.
Article 8 –Documentation
Complete documentation for each selected film is to be made available to the Film Department when required. All the needed documents are mentioned in the online film entry.
Article 9- Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of all the aforementioned rules & regulations.