A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cinema cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq was signed by the heads of cinema organizations of the two countries, in the presence of Hassan Nazem, the Iraqi Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, the Iranian Ambassador to Iraq.
According to the Public Relations and Information Department of Iran's Cinema Organization, the signing ceremony took place yesterday evening at the Iraqi National Theater Center, with the presence of Mohammad Khazaei, Director of Iran's Cinema Organization, and Ahmed Hassan Mousa, Head of Iraq’s Cinema and Theater Affairs.
The MoU focuses on enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of cinema. Key areas of agreement include coordination and increased cooperation for development and advancement in cinema, exchange of information, joint research, and publication of works, as well as collaboration in film production, with a particular emphasis on children's and youth films, documentaries, and short films.
The two countries also agreed to promote the exchange of specialized personnel in their respective film industries, facilitate the holding of film weeks, and encourage the participation of filmmakers from each country in festivals and other cultural events.
Additionally, the MoU highlights the importance of education and human resource development, including the organization of specialized workshops and the exchange of professors. It also encourages joint film and documentary productions, provides for consultancy to support cinema infrastructure and equipment, and promotes festival collaborations through the exchange of films, jurors, and the presence of Iranian filmmakers in Iraq.
The signing of this MoU between Iran and Iraq signifies a commitment to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening cinematic ties between the two countries. It promises to open new avenues for collaboration and enhance the film industries in both nations.