Tehran – Iranian and Indonesian Film Week 2025 is underway in Indonesia, showing eight films from both countries.
At the opening ceremony of the event, held on February 21, the Iranian ambassador took part in Jakarta Mohammad Borgeldi, with Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadrizon as keynote speaker, and other staff, artists and enthusiasts from two countries. I attended as. Ilna reported.
The film festival organization is part of a series of commemorations of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iran.
“This is an achievement that reflects the long-term commitment of both countries in cooperation, mutual respect and cultural exchange,” Fadrizon said.
He explained that since the 17th century, the influence of Persian literature, philosophy and science reached the archipelago. Today, the heritage of cultural exchange continues to develop in new ways, through the power of cinema.”
“Cinema is a very powerful cultural diplomatic medium that allows you to share historical stories, express your identity, build bridges and bring people closer to each other from a variety of backgrounds,” he explained. .
According to Zhong, films are an important medium for expressing soft power, allowing audiences to enjoy performances and experience other expressions of art culture, such as music, literature and culinary arts. .
The Minister of Culture went on to say that Indonesia’s film industry is currently experiencing extraordinary growth.
“The national film ecosystem continues to grow both culturally and economically, with Indonesia’s record of over 81 million film viewers last year. In 2027, the industry has reached 6.13% per year. It is projected to grow and donate Rs 156 trillion to national GDP,” he said.
“I think the Iranian and Indonesian film festivals will be an important forum for collaboration. I hope this event will encourage filmmakers from both countries to exchange and explore new opportunities for collaboration and collaboration. “Fadrizon insisted.
On his part, Mohammad Borgeldy said films have the ability to exchange cultures. “When Iran and Indonesia celebrate diplomatic relations in 1975, I think culture is the most humane aspect of diplomacy supported by both countries. This possibility is that both countries are the ones that are both countries as a film project and joint film production. It’s much bigger to emphasize culture,” he said.
Four Iranian films at the week’s event include two feature films, “The Arms of the Tree” by Babak Kaje Pasha, and “The Romanticism of Emad and Tuba” by Kaveh Sabbaghzadeh, and Mohammad Kheirandish and Mohammad Kheirandish Two animated films include “Dolphin Boy.” “Lupetu” by Abbas Ascari.
The film will be shown in various universities and schools in several cities in Indonesia, namely Yogyakarta, Palembang, Banten, Makassar and Bandung.
“The Arms of the Tree” is a family drama that explores the crisis in life and its impact on children. This was Iran’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. However, it did not reach the finalist.
The film explores the themes of family relationships and emotional reconnection between parents and children. At the heart of the story is Kimia, a northern mother who tackles the trauma of past abuse and the debilitating fears of distance. Her husband, Farid, is Azeri’s father, who has a passion for travel and medicinal plants, and the tension increases as the couple prepares for a separation movement.
The film captures the effects of marital discords on children, showing how their parents’ struggles can interfere with their lives. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of love, connection and delicate balance needed to maintain a family in a crisis.
The 2023 production, the film won two Crystal Simoog Awards for its best first film and best script, premiering at the 41st FAJR Film Festival. Additionally, it was named the best film in the international section of the first edition of Iran’s Havba International Film Festival in 2023.
The film has been shown at several international festivals in countries such as China, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, last September, the Kazan International Film Festival Altin Mimber opened in Russia.
In “The Romanticism of Emmad and Tuba,” both the main characters, Emmad and Tuba, knew that when fate first faced, love is more skill than excitement, heartbeat and itchy skin.
“Dolphin Boy” is a heartwarming animation about the magical friendship between a dolphin and a boy lost at the sea.
Dolphin Snowball saves a little boy in the waves. Since then, they inadvertently grow together and stimulate marine life with their funny tricks. But one day, the peace of their joyous little world is destroyed by evil octopus.
He expels the boy and lands, where he must learn to live among the people and understand the secrets of his origins. New friends, kind Captain Marvalid, and a loyal snowman help the boy deal with all the difficulties – whether on the bottom of the ocean or on a mysterious, distant island. A wonderful adventure awaits.
“Lupetu” is a hospital where doctors make toys to treat mental patients. The unknown perpetrator destroys a creative toy workshop that is particularly popular among Iranian children, causing its closure. The doctor’s son, Ali, tries to help his father solve the problem.
Also at the opening ceremony, Iranian director Babak Kajepasha expressed interest in future collaborations with Indonesian filmmakers.
“It should be my honor. Our counterparts from Indonesia are our brothers and they are very important artists. I hope this happens, and we We can work together,” he said.
Khajehasha emphasized that collaboration should include local stories, so that films produced have their own identity. He encouraged local roots to make films of any genre, whether it be action, romantic, drama, or family.
“Most importantly, whether we are Iranian or Indonesian artists, we must stand on our feet and make a film that is part of our country’s story and life. That means you should realize that you don’t do it,” he said.
“The Arms of the Tree” was the first film to be shown at the opening event, and Fadli Zon was personally present.
Last week, Iran and Indonesia agreed to work together in joint film productions, and announced important measures to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
The agreement was discussed at a meeting with Iranian cultural attachments with Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi of Indonesia and key officials of Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture.
Ebrahimi emphasized the importance of films in promoting mutual understanding, saying, “films are the perfect platform to showcase the culture and people of Iran and Indonesia.”
He expressed his enthusiasm for the joint project, adding that the co-production will link Iranian films to the global market and expand the cultural industry of both countries.
Both sides highlighted the rich historical and cultural themes of Iran and Indonesia, providing ample material for joint films and animation.
SS/