TEHRAN – Turkish filmmaker and producer Tolga Celikkanat has expressed his willingness to collaborate with Iranian cineastes on a joint project about Persian mystic and poet Molana Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273).

Celikkanat made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Cultural Attaché in Turkey Hassan Safarkhani last week, Persian media reported on Saturday.

He said that he has spent months researching on Rumi to prepare several scenarios on the personality. However, due to strong affinities between Iran and Turkey, he would like the film project to be produced in collaboration with Iranian cineastes.

Celikkanat also added that he has entered into discussions with several Iranian filmmaking studios and he believes they would produce a high quality film and could negotiate with international actors for the project.

Celikkanat who is also the owner of Danisman Medya, a Turkish studio that produces high quality videos, said that production of the film requires a budget of 5 to 6 million dollars.

Danisman Medya can only afford 3 to 4 million dollars and the rest of the amount needs to be provided by Iran.

Safarkhani promised to discuss the project with Iranian cinema managers in both public and private sectors and introduce them to Turkish filmmakers.

RM/YAW
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