TEHRAN-The 42nd edition of the Fajr Film Festival, Iran’s most important film event, revealed the lineup for its international section on Friday.

In the Cinema Salvation (Main Competition Section), a diverse range of films will compete for top honors. 

Notable entries include “The Shadow of Catire”, a Venezuelan-Mexican co-production by Jorge Hernandez Aldana, “Deserts” by Faouzi Bensaidi from Morocco, and “Upon Entry”, co-directed by Alejandro Rojas and Juan Sebastián Vasquez from Spain. 

“Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods” by Angelos Rallis from Greece, “The Coldest City” by Feng Yang from China, “The Best Century of My Life” by Alessandro Bardani from Italy, “Stolen” by Karan Tejpal from India, and “Blaga’s Lessons” by Stephan Komandarev from Bulgaria will also go on screen in this section. 

Iranian cinema will also be well represented with films such as a co-production between Iran and Bangladesh by Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam, “Summer of the Same Year” by Mahmoud Kalari and “The Morning of Execution” by Behrouz Afkhami. 

Eastern Vista (Competition of Asian Films) section will be showcasing a selection of films including “If Only I Could Hibernate” by Zoljargal Purevdash from Mongolia, “A Summer in Boujad” by Omar Mouldouira from France, “Bauryna Salu” by Askat Kuchinchirekov from Kazakhstan, “From the End of the World” by Kazuaki Kiriya from Japan, “Sakra” co-directed by Donnie Yen and Kam Ka-Wai from Hong Kong. 

Additionally, the Festival of Festivals section will feature films such as “Plan 75” by Chie Hayakawa from Japan, “The Substitute” by Diego Lerman from Spain, “Semret” by Caterina Mona from Switzerland, “Domingo and the Mist” co-directed by Ariel Escalante and Ariel Escalante Meza from Costa Rica, “Farha” by Darin J. Sallam from Jordan and “Melody”, a co-production of Iran and Tajikistan by Iranian director Behrouz Sebt Rasoul.

A special section titled "Palestine: Soul and Breath" will also highlight poignant films like “Frontiers of Dreams and Fears” and “Children of Shatila”, both by Mai Masri, and “Women Beyond Borders” by Jean Chamoun, shedding light on important stories from the region.

Moreover, the 25th edition of the Iranian Film Market (IFM), a key component of FIFF providing a platform for producers, distributors, and sales agents of films and TV programs, is set to kick off on February 7, welcoming participants from 22 countries.

The International Section of the prestigious 42nd Fajr International Film Festival is scheduled to commence on February 6 in the city of Tehran.

This year's edition of the festival has attracted an impressive total of 621 submissions from 87 countries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic talent from around the globe.

In addition to Iran, countries such as the U.S., France, India, Turkey, Italy, Yemen, Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Mexico, China, Britain, Ireland, Iraq, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Greece, Australia, Poland, Lebanon, Japan, Hong Kong, and Syria have registered their works for participation in the international section of this edition.

The international section aims to identify quality international and national films and to strengthen and encourage the production of works aligned with Iranian cinema. In this section, priority is given to films dealing with topics seeking justice, discouraging oppression, arrogance, global terrorism, violence and extremism, encouraging Islamic awakening, transcendent lifestyle, family orientation, human rights, highlighting moral, spiritual and religious teachings, fighting against discrimination, highlighting culture and civilization through artistic expression, and thus striving to guide contemporary man towards happiness.

The national section of the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival kicked off on February 1. A total of 37 movies are competing in three sections, Sodaye-Simorgh (the festival’s main competition section), New Perspective (first-time filmmakers), and Animations.

The line-up comprises 22 Iranian feature films in the main competition section, 11 films in the New Perspective section, and 4 animated films in their own specified section.

Hozeh Honari (Art Bureau) has a strong presence at this year’s edition with six films, promising a cinematic journey through varied genres, showcasing the depth and diversity of the Iranian film industry.

Winners of various categories in both national and international sections will be announced on the last day of the festival on February 11.

Photo: A scene from “Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods” by Angelos Rallis

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