In a three-day brainstorming session, Iran’s Cinema Organization (ICO) reviewed and developed the generalities of its programs for the year 2024, in alignment with the Four-Year Document of Horizons, Policies, and Strategies announced in 2021.
the session was led by ICO Head Mohammad Khazaei and attended by all deputies, general managers, and CEOs of the organization's affiliated institutions, including the Farabi Cinema Foundation, Documentary and Experimental Film Center, Art and Experience Group, Cinema Museum, Cinema Shahr Institute, and Iranian Young Cinema Society.
The primary objective of this meeting was twofold: to evaluate the performance and identify the challenges faced by the ICO and its affiliated institutions in the current year, and to review and assess the important programs of these institutions based on the macro-programs announced for each entity. This evaluation was conducted in conjunction with the horizons of the ICO's policies, which have been designed until 2025.
Key topics discussed during the session encompassed a wide range of areas. Firstly, the future horizon of Iranian cinema and its sustainable development prospects were analyzed, taking into account the integration of new technologies and artificial intelligence in the film industry. The role of Art and Experience Cinema in producing experimental films for the coming year was also emphasized.
Another significant focus of the meeting was the imperative need for infrastructure development as a catalyst for the growth of the cinema economy and the protection of the rights of Iranian cinema-goers. This includes enhancing the quality of film screenings in theaters and ensuring that all citizens have access to cinematic experiences.
Support mechanisms for filmmakers were also addressed, with a determination of support ceilings for first-time filmmakers, provincial filmmakers, and the professional cinema sector. Methods of providing facilities and financial assistance were scrutinized, and the meeting also involved a review of production policies and themes that correspond to the country's important issues.
Notable attendees included Habib Il Beigi, Asghar Farsi, Ghader Ashena, Alireza Esmaeili, Majid Zainolabedin, Yazdan Ashiri, Mohammadreza Soghandi, Seyed Sadegh Mousavi, Rouhollah Sohrabi, Mohammad Hamidi Moghaddam, Hashem Mirzakhani, Majid Esmaeili, Gholamreza Nejati, Mehdi Azar Pendar, Hossein Talabeigi, Bahman Habashi, Mohammadreza Faraji, Mehdi Shafiei, Morteza Baghernejad, Ali Jafari, Raed Faridzadeh, Davood Adeli, Mikaeil Diani, Mostafa Mahmoudi, Seyed Mehdi Sajjadi, Mohammad Tayeb, Abdolhossein Badrloo, Hamidreza Bashirifar, Ali Sabouri, Hadi Mansouri, Morteza Karimi, Mehdi Abbasi, and Seyed Mohammad Hadi Aghajani.
Looking ahead, the strategy for Iran's film festivals in the coming year was discussed, along with an examination of production, distribution, and screening methods. More than 80 plans were presented as "Essential Actions of the Cinema Organization for the Coming Year," which will be finalized and announced by the ICO head for implementation across various departments and affiliated institutions."