In a recent visit to Baghdad, Mohammad Khazaei, Director of Iran's Cinema Organization, met with Hassan Nazem, Iraq's Minister of Culture and Tourism, to discuss deepening cinematic collaboration between their countries. The meeting, which took place as part of Khazaei's three-day visit, focused on expanding joint projects and strengthening film industry ties.
Nazem reflected positively on his previous visit to Tehran and his meeting with Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mohammad Mehdi Ismaili. He described the trip as memorable and productive, emphasizing that it was not merely ceremonial but led to substantial agreements. Among these achievements was the successful Iranian Film Week in Baghdad, which Nazem noted had received excellent reception and reflection in the international arena.
During the discussions, Nazem expressed hope that the Iranian Film Week could serve as a foundation for future collaborative projects, including the production of a documentary on Iraq’s battle against Daesh. This project aims to provide an accurate historical record and combat distortions of the conflict.
Nazem also highlighted the possibility of creating a joint film about the fight against Daesh, which would involve both Iranian and Iraqi filmmakers. He stressed that such a collaboration would lead to the development of shared cinematic products and strengthen the cultural bond between the two nations.
Praising Iranian cinema, Nazem emphasized that signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would facilitate the exchange of services and expertise between Iranian and Iraqi filmmakers. He underscored the importance of addressing various issues that could foster closer ties and friendship between the two peoples.
Nazem further noted the significance of remembering martyrs, referencing the film “Honas” shown in Baghdad. He emphasized that cinema plays a crucial role in preserving the memories of the fallen and highlighted its potential to keep such memories alive.
In his remarks, Khazaei underscored the existing commonalities between Iran and Iraq and noted that these shared elements were helping to form a solid foundation for cooperation. He highlighted the ongoing Iranian Film Week in Baghdad as a testament to the positive outcomes of their partnership.
Khazaei emphasized the need for developing collaborative frameworks and expanding interactions. He pointed out that there had been productive dialogues and that the two countries could work together extensively in areas such as festival participation, joint productions, educational exchanges, and the distribution of films.
Khazaei proposed adopting Iran's Young Cinema Association model as a framework for establishing a film training structure in Iraq. This model, he suggested, could serve as a valuable tool for training young Iraqi filmmakers. He offered Iran’s support in hosting training programs and facilitating exchanges to improve film education in Iraq.
The discussions also touched on various potential joint productions, including themes of resistance against Daesh, the Arbaeen pilgrimage, and Eid al-Ghadeer. Khazaei highlighted Iran’s notable progress in the film industry and the potential for creating a vibrant market for collaborative projects.
The meeting underscored the importance of cinema as a frontline in today’s media landscape. Both Khazaei and Nazem expressed their commitment to leveraging film as a means to enhance cultural ties and mutual understanding between Iran and Iraq.
The visit was attended by prominent figures including Hussein Darabi, director of the film "Honas," and Shohreh Pirani, the wife of martyred Iranian nuclear scientist Dariush Rezaeenejad. The meeting demonstrated a mutual dedication to advancing cinematic collaboration and fostering a stronger cultural relationship between the two countries.