ISLAMABAD: A five-day Iranian Film Festival began on Monday at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) and will feature five Iranian films on the country’s culture, Islamic values and social issues.

The festival is being hosted by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad in collaboration with PNCA and Lok Virsa.

The films which will be screened during the event are So Far So Close, Bodyguard, A Cube of Sugar, Crazy Castle and Where Are My Shoes?

So Far So Close was screened soon after the inaugural ceremony and the second film will be shown on Tuesday at the PNCA auditorium. The last three films will be screened at Lok Virsa.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said Iranian films are vibrant and show the societal and Islamic values of Iran.

“Iranian film makers do not follow international trends and try different things. They have gained international recognition and produce Oscar winning films. Their films are a true reflection of their religion and society,” the minister said.

She added that the government is trying to support the Pakistani film industry and has announced various packages in this regard. Pakistan is planning on inviting Iranian film makers and experts in the field to collaborate with the Pakistani film industry and help revive it, she said.

The minister suggested the PNCA initiate a programme for screening Iranian films in Pakistani cinemas and Pakistani films in Iran. She also talked about the war on terrorism and said it has damaged our cultural heritage, music and film industry.

“Pakistan has defeated terrorists and now we need to focus on the revival of our cultural heritage and such festivals will be beneficial in this regard,” she said.

Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honordoost said Iran is producing films according to Islamic values and has proved wrong those who say Islam and films cannot go hand in hand. He said all the films which will be screened during the event have strong subjects to deliver to the international audience.

“Pakistan and Iran share values and have many things in common. We should therefore screen the other’s films and dramas in our countries,” he said.’’

Cultural Councillor at the Iranian Embassy Shahaboddin Daraei said in Iran, cinema started to operate with proper standards after the Islamic revolution.

“Iranian films have been able to portray the presence of women in various aspects without objectifying them,” he said.

PNCA Director General Jamal Shah said Iranian cinema is one of the most enthralling in the world.

“Iranian films have gained special status in the world’s cinema industry with its unique and innovative film directing techniques,” he said.

A cake cutting ceremony was held at the end.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2017