TEHRAN – The opening ceremony of the 18th International Resistance Film Festival took place on Saturday at the Persian Gulf Pavilion, Tehran’s sacred Defense Museum.
Many military officials, cultural figures and artists were present at the ceremony, Mehr reported.
At the opening ceremony, festival secretary Jalal Gafari spoke to attendees, highlighting that since last year they have focused on the content and form of the resistance film.
He emphasized the importance of continuity between content and forms in resistance films, and in collaboration with the direction of leaders of the Islamic Revolution, he made Ali Khamenei to promote the discourse of resistance globally through cinema.
“The theme of our current festival reflects the justice of the brave people in Gaza, and we are committed to openly confronting this discourse through film,” Gafari said.
The festival now features more than three times the valuable entries compared to past years, highlighting its growing influence, he added.
According to the leader’s command, in an emerging world order, Iran can hold a special position by proposing a theory of resistance, adding, “In this context, the relationship between resistance and film must be paid particular attention.”
Reflecting technological advances, Gafari said that more than 5,000 works have been submitted to the festival portal this year.
A special highlight is the innovative use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, stated by around 400 entries exploring this cutting-edge domain.
Additionally, the festival has been recognized for its category artistic status by the National Elite Foundation of Iran, allowing young filmmakers under the age of 30 to participate as permanent members.
Additionally, local screenings are held in more than 20 states, expanding the scope of the festival, he concluded.
On his part, Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij volunteer squad, paid tribute to the martyrs on the eve of President Ebrahim Raisi’s anniversary.
He highlighted the continued resistance of Palestinians who have endured 65 major massacres by Zionist groups in recent years, and noted that nearly 60,000 people have been marched following the Al-Aqsa stormy business.
He highlighted the historical background of colonial operations, noting how the British and the Ottoman Empire divided the region and how Palestine placed it under British rule on Jewish orders.
Soleimani states, “The occupation of Palestinian lands and the expulsion of their people are monumental injustice. Iran’s resilient attitude today is rooted in historical resistance. The film must play an important role in reflecting the suffering of Palestinians and serve as a cultural aspect of geonism.”
He further argued that resistance cinemas are the voices of oppressed people, and must portray their light-forming and struggle. “This festival is not merely an artistic event, but a cultural front to reinforce the discourse of global resistance to Zionism,” Soleimani concluded.
Additionally, famous figures such as film producer Mohammadreza Sharafeddin, director Homayoun Asadian, actress Zhaleh Sameti, poet Mehdi Faraji and film director Ruhollah Sohrabi were featured as the leading competition judges in the “Martyr Qassem Soleimani” section.
In March, the festival’s secretary announced that this year’s festival aims to transcend the geographical boundaries of resistance cinema, provide a fresh perspective, and turn it into a powerful tool for cultural and media diplomacy.
He also said the festival has become one of the most important cinema events in recent years in a region seeking resistance and justice. “This year’s edition features a broader approach and deeper insight into regional and global development, and aims to convey a message of resistance, justice and pursuit of truth for the world through film.”
He explained that the festival’s office receives over 6,000 works from 50 countries in various categories of documentary, fiction and animation.
Additionally, he said that in the humanities category, more than 460 works have been submitted, including books, articles and research related to the humanities and resistance films.
“The main theme of this festival is the voices of people who are not heard much in oppressed Palestine, Gaza and cinemas. This is a unique feature of the Resistance Film Festival,” he said.
This year’s edition also features a new award, a Morteza badge. The prestigious award aims to recognize documentarians who resonate deeply with the ideology of legendary martyr Morteza Avini.
The Revolution and Sacred Defense Film Association and the Revayat Foundation organize the Resistance International Film Festival every year.
The 18th International Resistance Film Festival, which will be held until May 24th, is an important platform for the promotion and dissemination of films that embody the spirit of resistance to injustice, oppression and inequality.
This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience as it respects the principle of resistance and promotes freedom of thought and expression.
sab/