Tehran Iranian Film Week in Hanoi was released on Friday in front of Vietnam’s Iranian ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari, in front of Vietnam’s capital’s National Film Centre and Vietnam’s Minister of Sports, Sports and Tourism Quang Dong.
The event, organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic in Hanoi in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Vietnam, the IRNA reported.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Iranian ambassador said, “Iranian cinemas have long established themselves as unique and influential in the world. With their minimalist yet emotional, poetic and humane storytelling style, the film has not only touched the hearts of Western Asian audiences, but has also been recognized at an international stage.”
“Since the early 20th century, when the first cinema opened in Iran just five years after the invention of the film by the Lumiere brothers, the country quickly approached its seventh art. The first Iranian sound film was produced over 90 years ago and began a long journey of strong development, constant innovation and creativity,” added Nazari.
“For almost a century, Iranian cinemas have overcome many political and cultural barriers to becoming a globally respected cinema powerhouse. At prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and even Oscars and Iranian cinemas, they are regularly respected for their human depth, humanity and unique cinematic language.
Referring to Film Week, referring to the opportunity for audiences to enjoy Iran’s internationally awarded works, the ambassador stated:
“In recent years, Iranian cinemas have had an important presence at the Hanoi International Film Festival, continuing to win many prestigious awards, affirming the talent of filmmakers and the strong vitality of Iranian stories in the minds of Vietnamese audiences,” Nazari said.
“What makes Iranian film special, according to film experts, is its ability to tell simple, everyday stories, with philosophical depth. From films about children and families to works exploring social, moral or religious themes, everything is expressed through a subtle, intimate, emotionally powerful storytelling style,” he said.
At the 2024 Hanoi International Film Festival, Iranian cinemas had a big winning season with most main awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director of both Short and Feature Films, and Best Actor.
“We are pleased to bring Iranian films to Hanoi. This week of films is a testament to our shared cultural values and the enduring power of films connecting cultures and nations. The five Iranian films chosen for the event will essentially be five windows into the culture of Iranian society for Vietnamese audiences. Conclusion.
Also, speaking at the ceremony, Quang Dong said: “Its deep cultural, scientific and philosophical foundations make Iran a strong film industry that has contributed greatly to the cultural heritage of mankind.
“Iranian Film Week believes that Iranian Film Week provides deep insight into Vietnamese audiences into Iranian customs, culture and the nature of people, and provides emphasis on shared values between two cultures: life, love, family,” he argued.
The five Iranian films published in the week include “The Wood Arm,” directed by Babak Kajepasha, “The Scent” by Hadi Mogadamdost, “The Passenger from Ganora,” Ahmad Alimdar’s “Beiro,” Mortesa Ali Assasmiruzae and “Goodbai Siraj Girl” by Afsin Hassamy.
“The Wooden Arm” tells the story of Kimia and Farid, who were married for 12 years.
“Scent” means struggling to hesitate to stand up to the complexity of his existence and the weight of his responsibility. Tolerated by inner confusion and uncertainty, he tackles the demands and expectations placed upon him, navigating the difficult path between personal desires and the obligations imposed by life. His internal conflict leads him to question his choices, his purpose, and his identity.
“Passer from Ganola” tells the story of an alien who arrives on Earth and embarks on a quest that has died somewhere on Earth to restore peace to his hometown, with the help of a disabled boy and his friends, in order to find the ruler of the planet Ganola.
“Beyro” continues the life of Alireza Biranvand, from his childhood into professional soccer and becoming a goalkeeper for the Iranian national football team.
“Goodbye Shiraji Girl” is based on Neil Simon’s “Goodbye Girl.” It is a romantic story about a man named Nasim from Abadan and Shabnam, a widow who lives with his daughter, rents the same house. They were plagued by difficulties until they finally found a solution.
Movie Week is free to release and will be held at the National Cinema Center until April 15th. Audiences will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy traditional and creative Iranian cinemas.
SS/SAB