TEHRAN -- Cinema Organization of Iran Director Hojjatollah Ayyubi said that Fajr International Film Festival helps Iran improve public diplomacy in the world.

He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the international section of the 33rd edition of the festival held at Tehran’s Mellat Cinema Complex on Saturday.

Addressing the participants, he said, “In the current situation of the world, the Fajr Film Festival can act as an appropriate venue for art and cultural dialogue to take place between countries.

“Today’s warm welcome indicates that Iran’s cinema is well-known and possesses a proper position in the world,” he stated.

He also added, “We possess a noble cinema since Iran is the cradle of art and culture. Proudly, we have asked foreign filmmakers to present their films and watch our films beside their own movies,” he added.

Ayuubi also expressed hope the international section would turn into a springboard for the cinema of the Oriental and Islamic countries in the region.

This is the first time the international section has been divided from the national section to highlight the international films and place increased emphasis on this section.

A number of foreign filmmakers and ambassadors from different countries in Iran attended the opening ceremony.

Secretary of the festival Alireza Rezadad also welcomed the guests and said that the Fajr festival seeks to introduce cineastes who pay due attention to the exaltation of mankind.

“Culture might have different meanings in each country, however its global meaning is the same and its growth is possible only through cooperation, and cinema plays a significant role in its development,” he added.

A variety of programs, workshops and film screening sessions have been arranged during the week-long festival.

Films from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Britain, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, India, China and several others will be competing during the event.

A lineup of Chinese films will go on screen in the non-competition section during a program entitled the Panorama of Chinese Cinema.

Several world cinematic figures will also gather in Tehran to hold workshops during the festival.

Photo: Cinema Organization of Iran Director Hojjatollah Ayyubi (R) greets some foreign guests and diplomats attending the opening ceremony of the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival at Tehran’s Mellat Cinema Complex on April 25, 2015. (IRNA/Marzieh Soleimani)

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