Pakistani films shine at Iran’s Fajr Festival

Pakistan’s participation in the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF), held in Iran’s historic city of Shiraz, marked a major milestone in South Asian cultural engagement and film diplomacy, Iranian media reported.

Heading the national delegation, Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khichi was invited as a special guest, accompanied by prominent Pakistani filmmakers. His presence underscored Pakistan’s commitment to promote cultural cooperation, artistic exchanges and regional tourism through cinema.

Speaking at yet another part of the festival, Khichi highlighted the historical, social and religious ties shared by Pakistan and Iran, stressing cinema as a powerful medium to strengthen cultural identity and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

He stressed that film exchange between Pakistani and Iranian cinematographers will deepen mutual understanding and provide opportunities for joint projects. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to revive its film sector and hoped for further cooperation with Iran.

For the first time, three Pakistani films were screened at the festival, signaling growing recognition for the country’s film industry. The films — ‘Actor in Law’, ‘Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning’ and ‘Taxali Gate’ — span across genres, narrative traditions and cinematic styles, reflecting the evolving creativity of Pakistani cinema.

FIFF, now in its 43rd edition, is renowned for its rich heritage and international prestige. Set against the backdrop of Shiraz’s poetry, architecture and history, the festival has become a prominent platform for filmmakers to showcase socially relevant, artistically daring and culturally grounded works.

Participation in such a prestigious event strengthens Pakistan’s presence in regional film networks, providing a forum for critical engagement, cultural diplomacy and potential cross-border collaboration.

The Pakistani delegation actively participated in festival events, including visits to the Pakistan pavilion and meetings with Iranian cultural authorities. Minister Kitchi met with the president of the Iran Film Foundation, inviting him to Pakistan to explore joint film projects.

During the festival, discussions focused on the promotion of co-productions, the exchange of expertise and the use of filming locations in both countries. Delegates explored student training programs, collaborative workshops and joint screenings, highlighting cinema’s ability to promote dialogue, understanding and peace.

Iranian authorities, including Minister of Culture Seyed Abbas Salehi, Raed Faridzadeh of the Iranian Film Agency and Governor of Fars Province Hossein Ali Amiri, emphasized the unifying potential of cinema, linking cultural heritage to contemporary storytelling.

The festival itself hosted a comprehensive program of over 60 films across multiple sections, including International Competition, Eastern Vista, Future Frame and Broken Olive Branch, alongside non-competition exhibitions such as Retrospective & Restorations and Festival of Festivals.

Notable winners included Hungary’s “Lesson Learned,” which won the Crystal Simorgh for Best Film, and Martin Pavol Repka, who was honored as Best Director for “March to May.” Russian film “Where the White Cranes Dance” won best film in the Eastern Vista category.

Tunisia’s ‘Round 13’ and Iran-Australia-Canada co-production ‘Two Faces of Autumn’ jointly won Best Film recognition in the Future Frame category. The Broken Olive Branch category, which highlighted works with political and social resonance, awarded “All That’s Left of You” as Best Film, reflecting the festival’s commitment to highlighting global perspectives.

For Pakistan, the event provided not only international exposure but also hands-on opportunities for co-productions, joint workshops and exchange programs for filmmakers, thereby boosting the country’s creative economy.

The festival also provided an opportunity for Pakistani filmmakers to participate in workshops, film screenings and dialogue with international counterparts. These interactions encourage professional development, knowledge sharing and exposure to emerging technologies and film trends, further supporting the growth of Pakistan’s film industry.

Film screenings at the festival serve as a form of cultural memory, capturing social experiences, humor, struggles and aspirations. For Iranian audiences, Pakistani films provided insights into modern life, while Pakistani participation symbolized growing recognition and national pride.

These measures promise to strengthen cultural diplomacy, boost tourism and deepen creative cooperation between the two nations. The 43rd FIFF concluded on December 2 with an awards ceremony at the Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz.

Combining art, diplomacy and tourism, Pakistan’s presence at the festival opened new avenues for international cooperation, audience engagement and economic opportunities. It represents a milestone for Pakistani cinema, showing how creative industries can act as instruments of soft power, cultural exchange and regional solidarity.