Dmitry Kaltozov, the Belarusian Ambassador to Iran, met with Mohammad Khazaei, Director of Iran's Cinema Organization, to enhance cinematic cooperation between Iran and Belarus. The meeting focused on expanding collaborative efforts in film production and distribution, emphasizing mutual interests and shared goals.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Cinema Organization, both parties highlighted the significance of strengthening their cinematic ties. Khazaei underscored the importance of international cinema, noting that it plays a crucial role in public diplomacy and fostering emotional and social connections between nations. He expressed enthusiasm for leveraging cinema to deepen Iran-Belarus relations, stressing that a robust cinematic presence in regional and international markets is essential for economic growth.
Khazaei outlined several areas for potential collaboration, including facilitating the screening of Iranian films in Belarusian theaters and platforms, engaging in joint productions, especially in children's and youth cinema, and hosting reciprocal film weeks. He also suggested utilizing Iran's burgeoning animation industry and its annual production of around 100 feature films, over 2,000 short films, and numerous documentaries to enrich Belarusian cinema offerings.
The Director of the Cinema Organization proposed a memorandum of understanding to formalize and expand these initiatives, including educational and academic exchanges between the two countries. He also highlighted the potential for leveraging Belarusian expertise and resources in Iran.
Ambassador Kaltozov welcomed the prospect of enhanced cinematic cooperation, expressing his admiration for Iranian culture and the role of cinema in fostering mutual understanding. He reiterated Belarus's commitment to advancing film collaborations and emphasized the potential for joint ventures, including film exchanges and utilizing Belarusian film studio resources.
Kaltozov noted that discussions with Belarusian Culture Minister and the "Belarusfilm" studio management have indicated a strong willingness to cooperate. He proposed celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Iran with cultural programs, including holding Iranian film weeks in Belarus and vice versa.
The meeting was also attended by Luciano Marchenko, Cultural Attaché at the Belarusian Embassy in Iran, Yazdan Ashiri, Advisor to the Director and Director of Public Relations at the Cinema Organization, Seyyed Sadegh Mousavi, Director General of Festivals and International Collaborations, and Alireza Esmaeili, Assistant and Director General of the Cinema Organization’s Office of the President.