TEHRAN -- The spokesman of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance said on Monday that Iran welcomes those foreign investors desiring to work in the film market of the country.

Speaking at a press conference, Hossein Nushabadi made the remarks in response to a request by 20th Century Fox, a major U.S. film studio, to work in Iran.

“I would say that the Culture Ministry is generally welcoming in such circumstances,” Nushabadi said.

“Strengthening cultural relations is one of the pillars of expanding foreign relations and now I am happy to hear they have learned that Iran is unparalleled in art and culture,” he added.

In a news article published on Saturday, Screen Daily, quoting 20th Century Fox executive vice president, EMEA, Paul Higginson, said that U.S. film studios are eyeing the Iranian market.

“Iran could become a major market for the U.S. studios, surpassing even the UAE, if sanctions are lifted as planned under a long-negotiated nuclear deal between the country and the major world powers,” Higginson told Screen.

“Let’s see what actually happens and the timeline but as far as I’m concerned Iran is a very important potential market of 80 million people. As soon as we’re able to engage with the market, we will,” he added.

“Will they let us in? That’s for them to decide what they want to do. We’re available. We want to be involved in that market and we want to communicate. Communication improves understanding and we want to do business there. I think it would be important for the development of film, both inside and outside of Iran, if we were engaged there. I don’t see any downside.”

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