TEHRAN- Over 300,000 people have visited the Film Museum of Iran since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21). 

The museum has also attracted cinephiles through its selection of film screenings, with more than 70,000 attendees enjoying movies in its halls, IRNA reported on Saturday.

During the first nine months of the year, the museum has showcased 80 films, providing a diverse range of cinematic experiences for its visitors. 

Additionally, the museum has hosted a multitude of events and programs related to the film industry including ceremonies honoring cinema personalities, specialized workshops, and screenings of restored films. 

The museum has also delved into the history of cinema through exhibitions, as well as showcasing international films. It has even provided educational and research programs for both students and enthusiasts of the cinematic arts.

Moreover, the installation of 24 televisions broadcasting stills and documentaries about various professions such as actors, filmmakers, and musicians has been completed. Additionally, eight new screens equipped with monitoring systems have been installed, providing comprehensive information about awards and their recipients. 

Nestled within the Ferdows Garden, the Film Museum of Iran captivates visitors with its Qajar-era mansion and tranquil surroundings. A haven for film enthusiasts, this museum boasts curated exhibits that showcase the equipment, photographs, and posters that have shaped Iran's rich movie industry over the past century. English explanations accompany the displays, ensuring an immersive experience for international visitors.

One of the highlights of the museum is its functioning cinema, a true gem as Iran's first-ever cinema. Embellished with beautifully crafted plaster ceilings, this exquisite theatre screens both contemporary and classic Iranian films throughout the day. For those eager to delve deeper into Iranian cinema, a shop within the museum offers an array of elusive Iranian films on DVD.

The establishment of this museum has been a dream come true for advocates of Iranian culture, ensuring the preservation and celebration of the country's cinematic heritage for present and future generations. In September 1994, the Film Museum of Iran was inaugurated through the vision and determination of the managers of the Cultural Spaces Development Company, affiliated with Tehran Municipality. Their noble mission included collecting, preserving, recording, and presenting Iran's cinematic legacy. 

With the invaluable support of renowned figures such as Abbas Kiarostami and Ezzatollah Entezami, and the relentless efforts of Jamal Omid, Amir Esbati, Behzad Rahimian, and Azizollah Sa'ati, the museum founders achieved their goal in May 1998.

Originally situated in Pirnia alley on Lalehzar Street, the museum was inaugurated by esteemed cinema personalities and supporters. Precisely four years later, in September 2002, the museum was relocated to its current home. The museum has continued to thrive in its present format, attracting a plethora of daily visitors ranging from passionate cinema enthusiasts to dedicated researchers.

SAB/