The Director of Iran's Cinema Organization (ICO), Mohammad Khazaei, emphasized the role of cinema in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and Palestine during a banquet for international guests attending the Fajr International Film Festival.
According to the Public Relations Department of the ICO, Khazaei, in his address at the banquet, highlighted the responsibility of cinema to serve truth and justice. He stated that cinema has yet to fulfill its debt to the oppressed and wronged people of Palestine. "In a context where a portion of the hegemonic apparatus has, over the decades, attempted to distort the truth about the history of the Palestinian people through the allure of cinema, the task of truth-seeking and justice-demanding filmmakers worldwide has become immensely challenging," Khazaei said.
Khazaei continued by underscoring the urgency of the Palestinian issue, stating that the scale of crimes committed by the occupying regime in Palestine is unprecedented in history. He emphasized that cinema, as a medium that narrates emotions, sorrows, and joys, must play a pivotal role in shedding light on the depth of the atrocities inflicted upon the Palestinian people. "Cinema has not yet fulfilled its inherent duty in this regard, and it is high time that freedom-loving artists around the world take this matter seriously," he added.
The Director of the ICO emphasized that cinema should be a voice for the oppressed and bring nations together. He asserted that the mission of art and cinema in the contemporary era is to raise awareness, seek justice, and convey the truth. "A humanitarian crime is unfolding in Gaza, and all artists and filmmakers must reflect and amplify the voices of the oppressed Palestinian people," Khazaei stated.
He praised the Fajr International Film Festival as one of the most popular festivals in the world, highlighting the strong support it receives from the Iranian people. Khazaei also mentioned that the festival is simultaneously held in all 32 provinces across Iran, showcasing its deep roots in the country's cultural landscape. He further noted the impressive track record of the festival, which has thrived for over four decades with the backing of the people, artists, and officials.
Khazaei also shared the impressive attendance figures for the 42nd edition of the festival, with over 250,000 people across Iran having already attended screenings as of the previous day. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the strong support, stating, "It is an honor for the Islamic Republic of Iran that cultural initiatives like this festival are carried out with the backing of our people."
As a mark of solidarity and empathy with the people of Gaza and Palestine, the guests present at the banquet stood in silence for a minute, honoring the request of the Director of Iran's Cinema Organization.