cinema trust Mahmoud Kalari, a veteran photographer, director and cinematographer of Iranian cinema, who judged the works of the first Tehran Photo Festival, about the importance of photography for cinema and the independent holding of the Tehran Photo Festival, which was held as an exhibition and photo competition in the Tehran Short Film Festival in previous years. He said: I myself came to cinema through photography and I deeply believe that this art is the foundation of cinema. By maintaining the importance and position of photography, the path to reach the cinema definitely starts with photography. Photography is the basic art and background and flow beyond understanding, understanding, practicing and shaping beauty. Photography helps to reflect everything we want to express through photos and images.
Clary said: I am happy that this year the Tehran Short Film Festival has looked at photography independently and this year we are witnessing the first Tehran Photo Festival. I hope that this event can find a strong and reliable position at the international level in the following years.
According to ISNA, he continued: The photo section has always shown its importance. Perhaps, at the beginning, the importance, place and position of photography was not properly understood. No, it has been like this in the whole world. It is a very good thing that through the festivals of young and experimental cinema, this position and position happened gradually, and we will definitely witness the brilliance of photography and photographers in this festival.
This veteran cinematographer said: When we look back, we see that we have deeply regressed in professional cinema and moved away from our position, the progress of the basis of cinema, which is photography, is something to be happy about. I see pictures of young people who are extremely intelligent, up-to-date, informed and different. It is a very interesting and important event that our young people have a path and a horizon in front of them and move towards it and do not get involved in the events and issues that all of us have been affected by. The importance young people attach to their professional path promises that they will go their own way regardless of marginal issues and limitations; A way that has a significant, important and valuable perspective.
Referring to the high quality level of the Tehran Short Film Festival and the regional festivals and events of the Iranian Youth Cinema Association, Clary said: What makes me happy because of my history of cooperation with the association is that it has paved the way for young people. The festivals organized by Javan cinema are of high quality and level. In the past periods, we saw creative and pristine films and works, and I think the same thing happened at the Photo Festival.
Referring to the teaching of photography in the filmmaking courses of the association’s offices, Clary said: “It is very hopeful and happy that photography is understood as the basis of filmmaking and is taught to the students of the association.” The importance of photography to achieve filmmaking, filming, stage design, etc. is not hidden from anyone. The foundation of all the specialties that shape cinema is photography, and it is no exaggeration to say that cinema came into being with images. With the same camera as the Lumiere brothers and the first plan they recorded. The fact that this issue is taught and taken seriously by young cinema is an important move.
Regarding the emphasis on artificial intelligence in the 41st Tehran Short Film Festival and dedicating a special section to it, this filmmaker said: Artificial intelligence should be taught and this technology should be known. Contrary to what it seems that in Iran, phenomena and technologies approach the practical stage much later than in other parts of the world, one of the characteristics of our youth is that they quickly become aware of every emerging phenomenon and modern technologies and want to be among the first ones. They move towards it. In my opinion, this understanding is the mind and thought of the Iranian gene. Cinema in a general sense was born in Iran with a little time difference.
He added: We will understand the effects of artificial intelligence on cinema in the future. It definitely has negative effects as well as positive effects. We must be able to establish a balance, use its positive effects and identify its negative effects. Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of emerging phenomena is a fundamental aspect of using technology. Young people should identify and understand its application methods, its access areas, its differences and capabilities, but in any case, artificial intelligence and Tehran Festival’s luck is what should have happened.
Referring to his memories of being with the Iranian Youth Cinema Association, Clary said: The association is full of memories for me. I have always said that I was not meant to be a cameraman. I started from the old Azad Cinema and made 8 mm and Super 8 films, which I did not shoot myself, and Ahmed Amini and Shahriar Parsipour, who are now famous filmmakers, shot them.
Expressing the characteristics of young cinema, this artist explained: What I can say for sure about young cinema is that from the very beginning, it seemed to me that young and experimental cinema, as a cinema whose essence and nature relies on experience, has strange charms. which may not happen later for the filmmaker in professional cinema. Because in the future, he will be involved in issues that he can no longer do with his soul and soul, which he is not sure of the outcome, and in fact he will make reckless and naive decisions. Because I started from this space, in the space of the community and among the youth, I feel familiarity and presence in a family, as if I see my background in them.
The 41st Tehran International Short Film Festival, under the direction of Mehdi Azarpandar, will be held from October 27 to November 2, 1403.