TEHRAN - Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs Mohammadreza Jafari-Jelveh met with Carlos Augusto Calil, the City of Sao Paulo’s Secretary of Culture, during Iran’s first Cinéma Vérité Festival in Tehran.

 Jafari-Jelveh referred to the art of cinema as an effective mode of expression for Brazil and Iran to use to highlight problems in the modern world.

He pointed out that Iran and Brazil can make the best use of their cinematic skills to seek justice in a world rife with injustice.

“Although Hollywood still dominates the film industry, our cinema is the cinema of friendship, kindness, and sincerity. People have lost interest in the repetitive themes of today’s movies and are attracted to our type of productions. The world is looking for a new, fresh look.”

He continued, saying that Iran and Brazil must try to pave the ground for further activities, “We must begin co-productions as soon as possible. We can hold festivals and cultural weeks, and screen movies in both countries.”

Carlos Augusto Calil also expressed his pleasure over his visit to Iran and said, “I am now in the country whose culture I have admired for years. I am pleased that its cinema has become the representative of this culture. I live in a city whose people like to watch Iranian movies.”

He explained that movies by veteran Iranian filmmakers are greatly appreciated in Brazil. He added that most movies are available in Brazil through French distributors.

He expressed hope that Iranian distributors will in the future be able to send movies directly to Brazil so that the country can make wider use of them.

Augusto Calil also announced that his country is willing to host various kinds of Iranian art exhibitions.

Iran’s first Cinéma Vérité Festival was held from October 15 to 20 at Tehran’s Felestin and Qiam cinema halls.

Tehran Times