TEHRAN- Mohammad Khazaei, the director of the Cinema Organization of Iran (COI), has emphasized the role of cinema in advocating for Gaza and Palestine. 

Speaking at a meeting with international participants of the Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran on Friday night, Khazaei highlighted the crucial role of cinema in amplifying the voices of the oppressed, ISNA reported. 

He stressed that free cinema and filmmakers should use their platform to speak out for the marginalized people of Gaza and Palestine. Khazaei noted that cinema has a duty to serve justice and truth, especially in the face of ongoing injustices against Palestinians.

He called on filmmakers to shed light on the atrocities being committed in Palestine and to use their art as a tool for raising awareness and advocating for change.

He highlighted the global significance of the Palestinian cause, stating that cinema has the power to bring people together and unite them in solidarity with the oppressed.

Khazaei underscored cinema's power as a medium capable of conveying the full spectrum of human emotion, urging the global community to take note of the profound atrocities inflicted upon the people of Palestine. 

He lamented the failure of cinema to fully discharge its responsibility in this critical arena, emphasizing the imperative for artists worldwide to engage earnestly with this issue.

Emphasizing the universal kinship shared through cinema, Khazaei stressed the role of the art form in uniting nations and giving voice to the oppressed. He outlined the contemporary mission of art and cinema as being rooted in enlightenment, justice advocacy, and the dissemination of truth.

In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Khazaei called on all artists and filmmakers to act as storytellers and champions for the plight of the Palestinian people. He underscored the collective duty to amplify the voice protesting against the injustice and oppression faced by Palestinians—a duty that must be held with utmost seriousness.

He also commended the Fajr International Film Festival for its longstanding reputation and praised the organizers and participants for their dedication to promoting cinema as a means of social and political expression.

He mentioned that all provinces of the country are simultaneously holding this festival and due to its remarkable activities for over four decades, this festival has a very shining record among the people, artists, and officials.

Moreover, in a symbolic gesture of solidarity, guests at the gathering stood up for one minute to show their support for the oppressed people of Gaza and Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need for action and advocacy in the face of ongoing injustices.

As of October 7, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported a devastating toll of 28,064 Palestinians killed and 67,611 wounded as a result of Israeli aggression.

In an update on Sunday, the Ministry revealed that the Israeli occupation had perpetrated 16 massacres targeting families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of 117 individuals and the injury of 152 others within the past 24 hours.

Additionally, there are countless individuals still missing and feared deceased, either buried under the rubble or left unattended in the streets amidst the chaos and destruction.

SAB/