With the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Seyed Abbas Salehi, Iran’s Minister of Culture, and Hossein-Ali Amiri, Governor of Fars Province, the city of Shiraz has been chosen as the host of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival. The agreement, signed on Monday, October 20, marks a new chapter in Iran’s cultural landscape, moving this cinematic event from Tehran to the cradle of Persian poetry and literature.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Culture highlighted the significance of cultural events in the current context: “The more we can show the world that Iran remains vibrant and dynamic despite its challenges, the more we advance national interests. The Fajr International Film Festival is not merely a cinematic event; it is a symbol of Iran’s cultural diplomacy.”
Since 2015, the Fajr International Film Festival has been held independently of the national section, establishing a distinct model for cultural events in the country over six editions. Thanks to the participation of filmmakers, critics, and guests from around the world, the festival has become one of the most recognized showcases of Iranian cinema internationally.
The 43rd edition, taking place from November 26 to December 3 in Shiraz, aims to strengthen the long-standing connection between poetry and poetic cinema, one of the defining characteristics of Iranian film. Hosting the festival in the city of Hafez and Saadi, iconic figures of Persian poetry, carries symbolic significance and offers a unique platform for dialogue between classical and modern arts.
In addition to its cultural dimension, holding the festival in Shiraz provides opportunities for tourism, economic engagement, and media coverage. The presence of Iranian and international filmmakers and journalists in a city historically admired for its literary and cultural heritage can enhance the global visibility of Iranian culture. Furthermore, the event is expected to facilitate the exchange of experiences and cultural collaboration between Iran and other countries, with the participation of prominent figures in regional and global cinema.
Organizers believe that choosing Shiraz could signal a move toward decentralizing cultural activities in Iran, similar to how the International Film Festival for Children and Youth established a new identity after moving to Isfahan. Once again, the intersection of poetry and cinema in the city of poets could present a different dimension of Iranian cinema to the world.
With its rich historical and artistic heritage, Shiraz, alongside the legacy of Saadi and Hafez, embodies the cultural spirit of Iran. Hosting the Fajr International Film Festival in this city goes beyond a mere cinematic event; it is an opportunity not only to showcase films but also to present Iran’s poetic and cultural identity to the global audience.
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival will be held under the supervision of Rouhollah Hosseini, a university professor and the festival’s secretary.
For more information, please visit www.fajriff.com or email info@fajriff.com . Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the festival’s general submission and participation requirements.
