Iran's International Fajr Film Festival
A collection of Mehr News Agency's photos of Iran's most important film festival
The thirty-year old Fajr Film Festival, kicking off in early February each year as Iran marks the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is arguably the most important cultural event of the year. Unlike the majority of movie industry practices across the world, most Iranian movies start their public screening initially at the festival, before finding their way into the theaters across the country; hence the festival is an opportunity for movies to advertise themselves, or attract bad publicity and fail to make money later on screen.
The zenith of the festival's popularity was in the 1980s, when entertainment options were strictly limited in Iran, all while notable directors of the country were at the peak of their productivity thanks to the cultural protectionism of the Ministry of Culture headed by Seyyed Mohammad Khatami.
Following is a selection of Mehr News Agency's photos from the first five days of the ten-day festival.
The zenith of the festival's popularity was in the 1980s, when entertainment options were strictly limited in Iran, all while notable directors of the country were at the peak of their productivity thanks to the cultural protectionism of the Ministry of Culture headed by Seyyed Mohammad Khatami.
Following is a selection of Mehr News Agency's photos from the first five days of the ten-day festival.
At the opening ceremony, Reza Attaran, popular comedian and director whose movies revolve around social class differences gives an interview.
Too many steps for Davoud Rashidi, the Geneva-educated actor, who received a life time achievement award on the first day.
Hamidreza Sadr, film critic and football analyst.
Actor Ahmad Najafi speaking to a cleric.
Matrix: Re-reloaded
Not exactly an appearance the orthodox media would approve of. Iranian actresses have frequently drawn criticism from conservatives for their making fashion statements.
TV and radio host and actor Farzad Hassani, who seems to have certain interest in the contour of his eyebrows.