Mohammad Khazaei, Director of Iran’s Cinema Organization, recently met with a Russian film delegation to explore new opportunities for cultural and cinematic collaboration. The meeting took place at the Iranian Cinema Organization’s headquarters in Tehran.
Khazaei welcomed the Russian delegation, emphasizing the expanding cultural ties between Iran and Russia. He noted that Russian literature and drama are well-integrated into Iranian academic programs, reflecting a deep mutual appreciation for each other’s cultural output. Khazaei highlighted cinema as a powerful tool for fostering international relations and expressed Iran’s readiness to engage in collaborative projects.
He stressed that cinema and media are crucial for public diplomacy and strengthening international bonds. Reflecting on his recent visit to Moscow, Khazaei shared positive outcomes from discussions with Russia’s Ministry of Culture. The proposed collaborations include hosting Russian Film Weeks in Iran, screening Iranian films in Russia, and establishing a working group for filmmakers from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.
Khazaei also praised the significant advancements in Russian cinema since his last visit a decade ago. He lauded Russia’s progress in film production, infrastructure, and platform development, noting this as evidence of substantial investment in the sector and the development of new cinematic capacities.
He criticized Western attempts to isolate Iranian and Russian cinema industries, advocating for the use of shared cultural strengths to gain international recognition. Khazaei argued that Western unilateralism and sanctions aim to stifle cultural growth and cinema development but expressed confidence that these efforts would ultimately fail.
He observed that new cultural and cinematic poles are emerging globally, with Western cultural dominance on the decline. Khazaei stressed the importance of regional and international cooperation, particularly among like-minded countries, to navigate these changes and explore new artistic and cinematic paths.
Valery Ivanovich Tonkikh, head of the Russian delegation and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Union of Filmmakers, expressed gratitude for Iran’s warm hospitality and cultural richness. He proposed creating a joint cinema association between Iran and Russia, noting that preliminary steps have already been taken.
Alexander Solomonov, a senior official from the Russian Cinema Department, highlighted the successful discussions with the Iranian delegation. He announced that Russian Film Days would be held in Iran for the first time. Solomonov outlined long-term cinematic projects, including the Eurasian Film Academy and the Caspian Cultural Program, which have received support from Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Eurasian leaders. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Iran and suggested Iran’s involvement in the Academy’s executive committee.
Solomonov also introduced the Caspian Film Program, aimed at involving Caspian Sea-bordering countries, with plans to hold events on the Caspian Sea itself. He emphasized the need for a joint working group between Iran and Russia to organize the Caspian event and ensure animation is included in the collaboration.
Notable attendees included Asghar Farsi, Deputy for Development and Resources at Iran’s Cinema Organization, Alireza Ismaeili, Director General of the Office of the Organization’s Presidency, Seyed Mehdi Javadi, Managing Director of the Farabi Cinema Foundation, and Seyed Sadegh Mousavi, Director General of the Festivals and International Cooperation Office.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to deepening cultural and cinematic ties, with a focus on exploring new collaborative opportunities and strengthening their partnership in the global cinematic landscape.