TEHRAN- The 15th edition of the Ammar Popular Film Festival has dedicated a special award to journalists who bravely report on resistance movements, the organizers have announced. 

The award is named in honor of prominent Palestinian journalist and activist Wafa Aludaini, who was martyred along with her family in an Israeli air strike in late September, the secretary of the festival Marzieh Hashemi said during a press conference held in Tehran on Saturday. 

“Naming the special award after Wafa Aludaini is a powerful symbol of resistance. It reminds journalists working toward a noble goal that they may face danger and even martyrdom, yet they continue to bravely pursue truth and justice. Therefore, we invite everyone from around the world to participate,” she added. 

This special award will be given to those journalists and media professionals who are doing investigative work in Lebanon or Palestine, or anywhere else in the world and have been active in the field of documentary and news, she explained. 

“We are witnessing genocide in Gaza and Lebanon, and the narrative is crucial to wake people up. We need documentary filmmakers to bring this to attention of the world. Now is the time to shine light on this issue with great effort, while the Western networks are doing the opposite.”

This festival aims to highlight voices that often remain unheard in mainstream media, providing a platform for creators to share their cinematic narratives with a broader audience, she concluded.

In the main section of Ammar Popular Film Festival, filmmakers can submit a variety of works, including narrative films, documentaries, animations, clips, television productions, internet programs, and innovative video and image productions utilizing artificial intelligence. 

This year, the themes of the competition focus on the subjects such as the “Global Upsurge of the Dispossessed,” "New World Order," “Victorious Republic,” “Justice,” “Iranian Dream,” “National Memory,” “Economic Warfare,” and “Cultural Warfare.” These topics underscore the festival's commitment to fostering discussions surrounding justice, freedom, and the rights of marginalized communities.

Artists and filmmakers interested in participating are encouraged to register their entries by November 1. 

The Ammar Popular Film Festival seeks to showcase diverse artistic contributions and support movements that transcend borders through art. The festival's mission is to amplify voices that challenge oppressive narratives and encourage active engagement from all sections of society.

Over its 14 previous editions, the Ammar Popular Film Festival has focused on elevating the voices of people who have remained resilient against agendas aimed at promoting apathy and distortion. It regards art as a vehicle for unity, urging individuals to gather around the common principles of justice and equity. This year, the festival aims to further explore the dynamic interplay between societal struggle and artistic expression, emphasizing that all communities, regardless of geographic, ethnic, or social boundaries, have a vital role in creating and consuming art.

Ammar Popular Film Festival was established in 2010 by a number of Iranian revolutionary figures to honor film and art products promoting topics such as resistance and revolution. It was named after Ammar Yasir, a close companion pf the Prophete Muhammad (PBUH).

The 15th edition of the festival will be held in Tehran and several other Iranian cities in December. 

SAB/