TEHRAN-The Iranian documentary “Bridge of Freedom” directed by Mehdi Madani, which recounts the efforts that led to the liberation of Khorramshahr, will be shown at the Cinema Museum of Iran on Monday.

The film is screened concurrent with the Sacred Defense Week, an Iranian annual commemoration of the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq war (often called “the Sacred Defense”), observed every year from September 21 to 27.

It is part of the “Documentary Nights” program dedicated to screening documentary films in collaboration with the Iranian Documentary Producers Association, ISNA reported. 

The screening will start at 5 p.m. and will be followed by a review session with the director Mehdi Madani, veteran cinematographer Mohammad Davoudi, and documentary film researcher Mehrdad Farahani in attendance. Entrance is free for the public.

A production of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), “Bridge of Freedom” was made in 1982. The 75-minute film is a documentary about the liberation of Khorramshahr. It tells the story of the efforts made by various engineering groups regarding the construction of a bridge on the Karun River on the eve of Operation Beit-ol-Moqaddas. Although many of them were injured or martyred, in the end, Khorramshahr was liberated. 

Khorramshahr, a city located in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan, was a crucial strategic point during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. The city was captured by Iraqi forces on October 26, 1980, after the people’s 34-day-long resistance against the Iraqi invaders during the early months of the war, and its liberation became a major objective for the Iranian military. 

After years of intense fighting, the Iranian army launched a major offensive, Operation Beit-ol-Moqaddas, to retake Khorramshahr. The operation was a complex and daring plan that involved the construction of a pontoon bridge over the Karun River, which allowed Iranian forces to cross into the city.

The liberation of Khorramshahr was a turning point in the war, marking a significant defeat for the Iraqi forces. The city's liberation was achieved on May 24, 1982, after it was reduced to rubble by Iraqis and a fierce battle that lasted for several days. The Iranian military suffered heavy losses during the operation, but their bravery and determination ultimately led to the recapture of the city. 

The liberation of Khorramshahr was a major morale boost for the Iranian people and marked a significant shift in the momentum of the war. The city's liberation also had significant strategic implications, as it allowed Iranian forces to regain control of the region and push deeper into Iraqi territory.

SS/SAB