TEHRAN -- The Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad is playing host to an Iranian film festival, which opened on Monday.

“So Close, So Far” and “A Cube of Sugar”, both by Reza Mirkarimi, “Bodyguard” by Ebrahim Hatamikia, “Crazy Castle” by Abolhassan Davudi, and “Where Are My Shoes?” by Kiumars Purahmad have been selected to be screened during the 5-day event, the Persian service of IRNA reported on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb praised Iranian filmmakers and added that Iranian cinema has gained international recognition by winning numerous awards including two Oscars.

She also proposed that similar festivals be arranged in both Pakistan and Iran based on bilateral agreements between the two counties.

In addition, PNCA Director General Jamal Shah also called Iranian cinema one of the most enthralling in the world.

“With their unique and innovative styles of filmmaking, Iranian directors have brought the cinema of their country a special status in the world,” he said.

The festival has been organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Iran in Islamabad. 

Photo: A scene from “A Cube of Sugar” by Reza Mirkarimi 

RM/MMS/YAW