It is the belief of A-list director Rasoul Sadrameli that Iranian cinema is going strong in the global market because of its unique storytelling and substance, and that it is about time Fajr Festival organizers declared their mandate and policy for the annual event.
Speaking to reporters on the first day of the festival, the jury member of Salvation Cinema said, “The programmers should always go after movies that are independent and unique. Festivalgoers should know in advance what kind of movies they are going to watch, and what their contents are. They need to know what is the policy and preference of organizers.”
Sadrameli added, “Once the mandate and the policy have been declared, festivalgoers and filmmakers would be able to know in advance what they are going to watch and what type of films they should send to the festival for screening and competition.
According to the A-list director, it’s not that hard to find out what type of movies other international festivals prefer to show. “Over the past 35 years or so, the main focus for Fajr has been to promote the humanistic side of storytelling. It is about time we saw this important aspect of Iranian cinema taking the helm at this year’s run.”
In conclusion, Sadrameli lauded festival director Reza Mirkarimi for selecting foreign movies that are similar in content to Iranian cinema, adding that he and Mirkarimi share similar views in this respect.
The Cinema Salvation program has brought together feature-length favorites, shorts, and Iranian premieres for this year’s edition of Fajr. The festival takes place from 21 to 28 April in Tehran and is presided over by Reza Mirkarimi.
For all festivalgoers who are already planning their visit, check screening time and other information at Fajriff.com or email the Secretariat at Film@Fajriff.com.
