The Farabi Cinema Foundation is one of the most important specialized institutions operating under the supervision of the Iranian Cinema Organization. It was established in the early 1980s with the aim of restructuring and organizing the film production system in Iran. The Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit institution that functions as the “national cinema institution of Iran” and as an executive arm for cultural and artistic policies and orientations in the field of cinema.

The Farabi Cinema Foundation is responsible for implementing a significant part of the country’s cinema policies by supporting production, providing financing and co-production, offering technical services, and facilitating the domestic and international distribution and circulation of films. The Foundation’s International Affairs Department supports and organizes film weeks both in Iran and in other countries.

Among Farabi’s core objectives are elevating the cultural taste of audiences, encouraging filmmakers to produce thoughtful and creative works, moving away from superficial and repetitive subjects, and supporting films that are aligned with the country’s cultural policies. This support includes both financial backing (loans and co-production) and content-related support, particularly in areas such as strategic cinema, children’s and youth cinema, and films on social issues. At the same time, the Foundation emphasizes the renewal of infrastructure, the use of new technologies, the development of studios, and the expansion of the international presence of Iranian cinema.

The Farabi Cinema Foundation is also active in the field of festivals and events. It is the organizer of the International Film Festival for Children and Youth and has, for many years, played a major role in the organization of the Fajr International Film Festival. In cooperation with educational and cinematic institutions, the Foundation has supported initiatives and events such as the Youth Filmmaking Olympiad to discover young talents and to familiarize the new generation with the language of cinema.