TEHRAN-Abbas Naderan, the producer of the war drama “Majnoon”, revealed that Martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was enthusiastic about the film being made.

During a press conference following a screening of the film at the 42nd Fajr Film Festival in Tehran's Milad Tower on Monday, Naderan shared that the mother of Martyr Major General Mahdi Zeinoddin had expressed her disappointment to Haj Qasem about the absence of a film honoring her son.

In response, Haj Qassem urged filmmakers to create a film about Martyr Zeinoddin, he said. 

Naderan expressed regret that Haj Qassem is not present today to witness the outcome of his encouragement.

“Majnoon” is about Mehdi Zeinoddin, one of the notable martyrs of Iran who rose to leadership at a young age during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1989). 

Director Mehdi Shamohammadi spoke about his passion for the genre of Sacred Defense and explained that his film, "Majnoon", serves as a tribute to the late Martyr Zeinoddin and the Khaybar Operation. 

He shared his desire for these heroes to be publicly recognized and the challenges he faced in making a documentary about Martyr Zeinoddin due to lack of resources. However, the solution was found in narrative cinema and he welcomed the opportunity to create a film about the late hero. 

Shamohammadi expressed his satisfaction with the audience's enthusiastic response to the film during public screenings. 

He also revealed the decision to keep the hero of "Majnoon" alive at the end of the film despite the existence of a scene depicting his martyrdom.

"Majnoon" marks director Mehdi Shamohammadi's debut film, produced by Owj Arts and Media Organization. The narrative centers on the courageous actions of martyr Mehdi Zeinoddin on Majnoon Island, intertwined with the significant Khaybar operation. 

The film features a talented cast including Sajjad Babai, Behzad Khalaj, Shabnam Qorbani, Hesam Manzoor, Mohammad Rashnoo, Seyed Mehdi Hosseini, Afshin Hasanlu, and Mohammadreza Safari, who deliver compelling performances to bring this story to life.

Maestro Majid Entezami's musical composition adds depth and emotion to the film, enhancing the cinematic experience and capturing the spirit of the heroes commemorated in "Majnoon".

Photo: A scene from “Majnoon” by Mehdi Shamohammadi

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