Russians travel to Tehran to select Iranian films

Charso Press: According to the general department of public relations of the cinema organization; This conversation has been held in line with the process of fulfilling the provisions of Fimabin’s memoranda to strengthen and develop film cooperation.

In this conversation, Mohammad Khazaei, the head of Iran’s cinema affairs, and David Ngud. The head of the Department of Cinema and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation talked and exchanged opinions about the implementation process of the clauses of the memorandum and the removal of obstacles.

This conversation was held in the presence of Antonio Kuntseva, Director General of International Affairs of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, Massoud Ahmadvand, Iran’s Cultural Advisor in Russia, as well as Seyed Sadegh Mousavi, Director General of Festivals and International Cooperation Office, and Raed Faridzadeh, International Director of Farabi Cinema Foundation.

Developing the fields of joint film production, increasing the exchange, screening and introduction of cinematographic works for sale, exchanging experts and human resources of the two countries in cinematographic projects and related events, facilitating the presence of cinematographic institutions and organizations of the two countries in film festivals, film week and cultural events. Related to cinema and audio-visual content, exchange of knowledge and experience of parties in film production, production of joint works and training of experts in the field of cinema, promotion of audio-visual content in foreign markets. The most important axes of the memorandum of understanding are the film cooperation between Iran and Russia.

The head of the Department of Cinema and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, while emphasizing the need to implement the Fimabin Memorandum, said: We declare our readiness for more serious cooperation and the implementation of agreed programs, and the Russian Embassy in Iran is also following up on issues and programs.

He continued: There is no doubt that considering the international sanctions, this cooperation is very important and strategic, and we believe that Iranian cinema has a very good position in the world, and at the same time, despite the sanctions, Russian cinema is progressing rapidly and the implementation of understandings Between the two countries, it is in the interest of both countries in the region.

Also, in this online conversation, Antonio Kentseva, director of the international department of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, also presented a report on the steps taken regarding cooperation and explained the status of holding the Caspian Film Festival.

Mohammad Khazaei, the head of the Cinema Organization, emphasized the need for more speed in the process of implementing the clauses of the memorandum, especially in the field of broadcasting Iranian films in Russian cinemas and platforms, and said: “Fortunately, since the signing of the memorandum of understanding, good things have happened in the field of cooperation between the two countries.”

Regarding the joint cooperation in the last one year, he mentioned: the presence of Iranian films in the Moscow festival and winning two main awards and membership in the jury of this festival, the establishment of the Russian Film Week with the presence of the high-ranking delegation of the Russian Filmmakers Association in Iran, the presence of the Russian delegation to Chairmanship of the head of the Russian organization at the Fajr Film Festival and Market, the presence of the Iranian delegation at the Moscow Film Festival, the establishment of the umbrella of Iranian cinema in the Russian film content market, the acquisition of two main awards at the Kazan Film Festival, the presence of Iranian cinema directors at the St. Petersburg meeting, preparation of cooperation arrangements With the Red Square company regarding broadcasting and distribution and joint productions, the screening of Russian children’s and teenagers’ films in the side section of the Isfahan Children’s and Teens Festival in cooperation with Ruskino Institute and… has been among the achievements of both parties in this field.

He added: It seems that there is an urgent need for consensus in the coming months, especially in the field of screening Iranian films in cinemas and platforms, as well as planning for the Caspian Festival hosted by Iran or other countries.

The head of the country’s cinema organization also announced the readiness to start broadcasting Iranian films in Russia in accordance with the memorandum and noted that: according to the conditions of cooperation, and following the request of the Russian side, a team of Russian experts will travel to Iran to select films. With the cooperation of public and private sectors for the new year, the possibility of showing Iranian films in Russia will be smoothed.