Iran’s First Vice President and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Cinema has congratulated acclaimed filmmaker Majid Majidi on winning the Grand Prize at the 31st Busan International Film Festival for his film Midday Meal, praising his remarks in defense of the Iranian people at the international event. In his message to the director, Mohammad Reza Aref wrote: “By amplifying the voice of the Iranian nation, its suffering and resilience in the face of international sanctions and pressure, you stood as more than a filmmaker—you emerged as a true ambassador of culture and national dignity.”
According to the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Cinema Organization, citing the website of the First Vice President, the full text of Dr. Aref’s message reads as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Esteemed Artist Mr. Majid Majidi,
Greetings and respect,
The remarkable and admirable success of your valuable work, Midday Meal, and its winning of the Grand Prize at the 31st Busan International Film Festival have once again brought Iran’s distinguished name, along with the country’s committed and humanistic art, to the forefront of the international arena.
Your cinema has consistently served as a clear reflection of the dignity, resilience, pain and hopes of the noble people of Iran. Yet, what added even greater significance to this achievement and shone brightly alongside this honor were your dignified, courageous and resolute remarks from the podium at this global event.
Through your artistic and humanitarian storytelling, you not only portrayed the culture and honor of the Iranian people, but also amplified the voice of the great Iranian nation—its suffering and, at the same time, its steadfastness in the face of international sanctions, pressure and injustice. In doing so, you proved to be more than a filmmaker, emerging as a “true ambassador of culture and national dignity.”
Your decision to dedicate this award to the patient and courageous people of Iran, as well as to the distinguished woman who raised such a worthy son, reflects the profound roots of heroic spirit and elevated human values in your worldview.
While sincerely congratulating you, the country’s artistic community and the dear people of Iran on this great achievement, I would like to emphasize that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself duty-bound to provide comprehensive support for a thoughtful, independent cinema that conveys the nation’s identity and spirit of resistance.
The influential and strategic presence of distinguished figures such as yourself on the Supreme Council of Cinema is an invaluable asset in charting a prudent course for the future and elevating Iranian cinema’s standing on the global stage.
I pray to Almighty God to grant you good health, a long and honorable life, and continued success in your service to the culture and art of this land.