TEHRAN -- Director Majid Majidi believes that the development of Iranian religious cinema is being hindered by the unprofessional and inapplicable theories of certain cinematic figures.

Unfortunately, some religious works are not very insightful because of their undue focus on superficial aspects of religion, Majidi told the public relations office of the 2nd Ruyesh Religious Film Festival on Tuesday.

“Whenever artists act within their own frame of thought and according to their own nature, they create memorable works,” he stated.

Organizers should not expect to achieve the intended results in the first years of the festival, but eventually it should be able to seriously address religious subjects, he observed.

They should also pay attention to people’s innate religiosity and avoid clichés so that they can help film critics and experts reach a consensus on religious cinema, he opined.

The 2nd Ruyesh Religious Film Festival is to be held from October 30 to November 3 in Mashhad.