Italian envoy lauds Iran's rich civilization, culture

Belgrade, March 17, IRNA – Director of Italian Embassy's Cultural Center in Belgrade Gianfranco Renda said in Belgrade on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys the richest civilization in the world and culture. He made the remarks in a meeting with Iran's Cultural Attache' in Belgrade Mahmoud Shalui. Renda welcomed Iran's presence in the 16th International Festival of Archaeological Film at Belgrade National Museum in Serbia as a special guest and lauded Iranian people for their warm hospitality. 'I visited Iran about three years ago and visited several Iranian historical cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan and Yazd; now I say for sure that Iran's majesty and kindness of its people are always in bottom of my heart.' Shalui for his part thanked for selection of Iranian documentary film 'Glory of Persepolis' to be screened in the inaugural of the Festival and said the Islamic Republic of Iran is a historical country with a brilliant culture, enjoying an ancient civilization that showcases parts of ups and downs of the history of mankind. The 16th edition of the International Festival of Archaeological Film will feature the screening of 22 films from 10 countries at the Gallery of Frescoes in Belgrade on March 19-25. This year, the guest of honor is Iran, which will present its rich archaeological heritage with a film about the splendor of Persepolis, the organizers said. Germany will be there with three films, Italy with eight, Spain with three, Austria with two, and Poland, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia with one each. The visitors will be able to learn about the history of Peru, the Italian port of Lipari, powers of water and air in Germany and also about who first discovered Knossos in Greece. There are no competition selections at the festival, which is organized by the National Museum in cooperation with the Cultural House of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Serbia, Goethe Institute, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Cervantes Institute, the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, Austrian Cultural Forum, and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Belgrade.