Why it matters:
Iranian documentary filmmakers' presence and influence are growing on the global stage, particularly within multilateral cultural initiatives like the SCO, where Iran is strengthening its soft power.
The big picture:
The SCO Film Festival is part of a broader push to foster people-to-people exchange and cultural cooperation among member states. Held in Yongchuan, a rapidly emerging hub for film technology in western China, the event aims to blend cinematic art with international diplomacy.
Key points:
- “The Last Whale Shark” won the Special Jury Prize, including a festival trophy and certificate of honor.
- Two Iranian films — “The Last Whale Shark” by Ramtin Balf and “Orange Forest” by Arman Khansarian — competed in the festival’s main section.
- Two more Iranian films, “Without Prior Appointment” (dir. Behrouz Shoaibi) and “Embraced by the Tree” (dir. Babak Khajehpasha), were screened in the non-competitive section.
Details:
A total of 27 films from SCO member states were shown during the five-day festival. The festival featured 11 core programs, including screenings, cooperation forums, film-tech exhibitions, and industry panels.
Go deeper:
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