.jpg "Producer Morteza Razzaq-Karimi in an undated photo")
TEHRAN – Producer Morteza Razzaq-Karimi believes that separating the international competition section of the Fajr Film Festival can be regarded as a positive step.
“In the previous editions of the festival, the international section was overshadowed, however this time, the main focus will be on the international section and the organizers will help to highlight this section,” Razzaq-Karimi said in a press release on Sunday.
Razzaq-Karimi, who is also a member of the selection board of the international section, added that he would leave further judgment until after the festival closes.
“This is the first time the international section will be held independently of the national section and at a different time. This change requires long-term programming and needs time to consolidate its position,” he explained.
He continued, “I believe our cinema can be noticed in the world and grow only when it keeps in touch with the world cinema, and an international festival plays an undeniably significant role in upgrading the national cinema.
“Moreover, the festival can lead to organizing film markets and films from them can be distributed to different countries,” he explained.
He said that a collection of films from different countries and cultures have been selected this year, adding that films from the cinema of the Middle East are among the highlights.
The international section of the Fajr Film Festival will be held at Tehran’s Mellat Cinema Complex from April 25 to May 2, 2015.
The international section includes the two categories of Islamic and Asian Countries’ Cinema (Eastern Panorama), and World Cinema (Salvation).
A number of short films and documentaries will be screened on the sidelines of the festival.
The 33rd Fajr Film Festival, Iran’s most important event on the motion picture industry, was held in Tehran in February.
RM/YAW
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