Iran’s Culture Minister's Message to Cinema Verite

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili sent a message to the 15th edition of the Iran International Documentary Film Festival “Cinema Verite" currently underway in Tehran.

In his message, the Iranian minister said:” Art comes from the human soul. The source of change and transformation and a way to reach spirituality and heaven. Art is a sea that calms the fascinated soul of man and reflects what is entrusted to him by the existence of the Creator.  The artist, coming from the culture and divine beliefs and loving the sky and the divine light, distances himself from the bonds of material belongings and what separates him from his origin and his people, and approaches the origin of creation.”

“Documentary cinema is closer to the spirit of creation, originality and truth than any other cinematic reading.  In documentary cinema, the filmmaker considers himself bound to record the truth and is therefore trustworthy, observer and recorder.  Iranian documentary cinema, which has long-standing festivals such as “Cinema Verite", should try to be an honest narrator and a committed and compassionate observer who records Iranian society with all its bright and prosperous points, shortcomings and problems and tries to be a lasting document for the future,” the message reads.

“In the 13th government, where the discourse of seeking justice and returning to revolutionary principles is a priority, documentary cinema should be a mirror to reflect justice and revolutionaryism,” the message added.

“The 15th International Iranian Documentary Film Festival "Verite Cinema” shows the colorful and exciting image of Iran today, and we hope that the light of “Cinema Verite " will be the eyes of documentary filmmakers.

Presided by Mohammaf Hamidi-Moqadam, the 15th edition of “Cinema Verite” is slated to be held in Tehran from Dec 9-16, 2021.

The Documentary and Experimental Film Centre (DEFC) organizes the annual Iran International Documentary Film Festival.

The festival has several sections including National, International, Martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani Award, Martyr Avini Prize, Special Screenings, Portrait, Mirror of a festival, Focus on a country, Panorama, Workshop, and Doc Market.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the major Iranian international festival for documentary films will be held with a limited number of guests and audience at Tehran’s Charsou Cinema Complex.