Raed Faridzadeh, Head of Iran’s Cinema Organization, met and held talks with Nikita Mikhalkov, renowned Russian filmmaker and founder of the Eurasian Academy of Cinematic Arts.
According to the Public Relations Department of Iran’s Cinema Organization, during the meeting, Mikhalkov, the Oscar-winning Russian actor and director who also serves as an adviser to the President of Russia and chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia, praised the position of Iranian cinema on the international stage.
He said that cinema, as the “seventh art,” is not merely a means of entertainment in Iran, a country with a rich spiritual heritage. Thanks to the dedication and creativity of Iranian artists, he added, the cinematic art and industry in the country has evolved into a medium for conveying profound human, ethical and spiritual concepts.
Praising Iran’s remarkable resilience during the recent imposed wars, Mikhalkov stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, backed by a resilient and powerful nation, has today become a prominent model for freedom advocates across the world, while increasing attention is being drawn to its news, intellectuals and cinema.”
Referring to the participation of Iranian artists in the international “Parvaneh Almasi” event, the prominent Russian filmmaker, Oscar winner and recipient of major cinematic awards, including the Golden Lion Venice Film Festival, said that last autumn, the Iranian films Call Me Maryam, directed by Rasoul Sadrameli, In the Arms of a Tree, directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha, and Raha, directed by Hesam Farahmand, participated in the festival.
He added that interaction between Iranian filmmakers and the festival will continue this year as well.
Mikhalkov, creator of acclaimed works including Close to Eden and Burnt by the Sun, concluded by describing Iran’s victories in the struggle against what he called “the global arrogant forces that kill children” as the fulfillment of the promises of the divine prophets.
He added: “A spiritually elevated human being does not lose sight of his ultimate purpose amid any war, crisis or period of hardship. This principle and conviction are today reflected and manifested in the numerous achievements and victories of the great Iranian nation.”
Mikhalkov once again expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people of Iran and voiced his readiness to expand cinematic relations between the two countries, as well as cooperation in film festivals and joint film production.
For his part, Raed Faridzadeh thanked Mikhalkov for his sympathy and support during the two recent imposed wars. Referring to the tragedies in Minab and Lamerd and the deaths of innocent children, he emphasized the importance of cinema’s role as a means of storytelling and documenting these crimes through joint film productions.
Faridzadeh also highlighted the importance of inter-festival cooperation and joint activities, as well as collaboration in education and research with specialized universities and the Iranian Youth Cinema Society. He expressed hope that joint events and initiatives would contribute to a better mutual understanding.
Hossein Divsalar, Deputy for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Cooperation at the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, and Abdolreza Rashed, Iran’s Cultural Attache in Moscow, were also present at the meeting.