Iranian cinema festival opens in Moscow, Kazan, Astrakhan

Moscow, IRNA – A major festival of Iranian cinema has opened in Moscow, Kazan and Astrakhan, with 11 Iranian feature films and animations being screened as part of Iran’s Cultural Days in Russia.

The festival opened in Moscow with a screening of Ziba Sedaayam Kon, directed by Rasul Sadrameli, at the Marshal Zhukov Cinema in the Park of Freedom, drawing Russian-speaking audiences.

Hossein Divsalar, deputy head of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization for the development of scientific and cultural relations, underscored the importance of expanding cultural and cinematic cooperation between Iran and Russia at the opening ceremony.

He also pointed to a recently signed memorandum between Tehran and Moscow on joint film production, describing Iran’s Cinema Organization and Russia’s Roskino as two institutions with potential for cooperation in producing joint cinematic works.

According to Roskino, the official Russian organization representing the country’s film industry at international festivals and markets, the festival began in Moscow on September 29 and will continue in Kazan and Astrakhan until October 6.

The program features films from different years and genres, including historical and biographical dramas, family animations and adventure films, all of which have received awards at various festivals, including Iran’s Fajr International Film Festival.