Cinema Haddadi’s gift in Borna wrote: The festival organizers ‘strange decision to remove the short and documentary part of the media palace and move it to the artists’ house is not only a simple change at the site, but also literally, gradually generate generational elimination. That will make the future of Iranian cinema.
Fajr and mission festival that has been forgotten
The Fajr Film Festival, as the country’s most important cinematic event, has always played a dual role: on the one hand to show and compete the works of filmmakers, and on the other hand, a platform for introducing and supporting young talents, but this year has disrupted this balance. The short film section has been transferred to the Artists’ House, where it is respected, but it can never replace the media palace in the Milad Tower. This decision is literally isolated by young filmmakers in a separate “island”; An island where media and critics have difficult to access.
However, short and documentary films are not only known as an independent and influential genre, but also form a large part of Iranian cinema dynamics and innovation. The filmmakers who work in this field often provide the most bold and creative narratives; Narratives that, due to less limitations, can be more honest and more honest. Removing these works from the festival’s text means limiting the perspective of Iranian cinema.
Disregard for the media and the importance of being seen
Another issue that makes this decision is more controversial is the lack of access to the media. All reporters and critics are based on the news coverage of the festival films at Milad Tower, while short and documentary films are screened at the Artists’ House. This geographical separation means depriving these works of media attention; Filmmakers who perhaps first participate in the Fajr Festival are now failed to introduce them to critics and reporters.
The media play a vital role in seeing the works. When a short or documentary film fails to be exposed to criticism, it is virtually overlooked. The Fajr Festival should be an atmosphere where all filmmakers, regardless of the genre or work experience, can put their work in front of critics and reporters. But this year, this opportunity has been deprived of talented young Iranian cinema.
Non -issuance of festival card; Cutting generations
Another controversial decision by this year’s festival is the failure to issue a festival card to the owners of short and documentary films. This is literally an obvious injustice. Young filmmakers have not only been deprived of watching the festival’s high works, but also from interaction with cinema pioneers. In addition to competition, the Fajr Festival should be a space for the exchange of experiences and communication between generations. But this year’s decisions, instead of building a bridge, have drawn a wall between the new and old generation of cinema.
Many of the great directors today have begun with short films. If the Fajr Film Festival, as the most important showcase of the country’s cinema, fails to support these young talents, what institution should be responsible? This is the question that the festival organizers must answer.
The future of cinema is in danger
This year’s Fajr Film Festival decisions are not just to the detriment of young filmmakers and documentaries; These decisions are to the detriment of Iranian cinema. Removing short and documentary films from the media palace and limiting media and critics’ access to these works means restricting diversity and innovation in cinema. A cinema that ignores young talents will sooner or later face stagnation and repetition.
The Fajr Film Festival must return to its original mission; That is, supporting all filmmakers, both pioneering or young. Only then we can hope for a bright future for Iranian cinema.