Tehran – The 37th edition of the International Film Festival for Children and Youth opened in Isfahan on Friday with a heartfelt ceremony, paying tribute to the martyrs of the 12-day war, fallen heroes of Iran’s sacred defense, and innocent children of Gaza.
The ceremony was attended by many cultural officials, artists, local government officials, festival organizers, young journalists and students, Mehr reported.
Speaking at the ceremony, festival secretary Hamed Jafari emphasized the importance of renewing the commitment to values supported by Iranian martyrs. “Today, we gather together to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of sacrifice, freedom and hope. The value of what our martyrs believed and fought,” he said. “This festival is a sanctuary of dreams and creativity for children. It is a platform and future builder for showcasing hope and heroism among the younger generation.”
Jafari highlighted the tragic sacrifices of the 12-day war that claimed the lives of Iran’s 47 children. From infants like Rayan, just two months old, to students who have become martyrs, their innocent lives serve as a harsh reminder of the cost of catastrophic human warfare. “This festival is more than a celebration of art, it conveys a message to the world,” he added. “In spite of sadness, we are resilient. Despite our sadness, we remain immovable. We pledge to build a brighter future in the name of a purely blooded martyr child.
He emphasized the importance of the festival as a guardian of childhood dreams, a beacon of hope, and a guardian as a symbol of Iran’s cultural resilience. “We are strictly following this sacred promise,” he asserted.
Iranian culture and Islamic leadership minister Seyed Abbas Salehi also sent a message to the festival, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival in memory of recent sacrifices. Salehi emphasized that the event reflects Iran’s unwavering commitment to maintain its cultural identity and investing in its future. He said the festival, held at the time of national mourning, serves as a reminder that art and culture are important tools for building hope and unity.
“Faced with sorrow and hardship, hope continues to live in the young hearts of Iran,” writes Salehi. “Cinemas for children and young people are a universal language that nurtures understanding, peace and brotherhood. They unite across borders. The festival plays an important role in enhancing Iran’s cultural presence worldwide and cultivating a generation that values peace, revival and creativity.”
Additionally, the event featured bilingual opening statements read by young journalists, highlighting the festival’s role in Iran’s cultural grandeur and the fostering of dreams. “This land of ancient culture and history, Iran has once again become a hub of happiness, hope and art,” the statement said.
As the festival continues, organizers aim to promote a message of hope, resilience and cultural pride through a variety of films and cultural exchanges. The event highlights it despite the tragic sacrifices of war and sacrifice. The future remains bright in the dreams and hopes of Iranian youth.
The 37th edition of the International Film Festival for Children and Young People will be running until October 8th, featuring three main sections. National competitions for feature films, shorts, animation, and more. An international competition to showcase films produced from around the world since 2024. It also focuses on special sections specializing in topics such as children affected by the war, particularly attacks on Israeli Iranian soil, Gaza and other regions, and attacks on the Asian Film Awards.
sab/