At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Abolghasemi, while honoring the Film and Cinema Month in the Philippines, expressed his pleasure and gratitude for the opportunity to hold this discussion. He emphasized that such meetings serve as a key factor in strengthening and expanding artistic collaborations in the field of film and cinema between the two Asian countries.

 

In the continuation of the Cultural Counselor of our country regarding the Cultural Center’s activities and the successful holding of the Iranian film festival that was carried out in February last year with the participation and cooperation of the (CCP) Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Film Center of the University of the Philippines was part of the implementation of one of the clauses in the cultural exchange program. He emphasized that organizing such film festivals plays a positive role in developing and enhancing cultural relations, aiming to increase mutual understanding between the people of both countries.

 

 

He added that Iran and the Philippines share many commonalities. For instance, family is the cornerstone of society in both cultures, and it holds great value for the people of Iran. Based on this, Iranian filmmakers, who are deeply concerned with preserving fundamental societal values such as the institution of the family, have produced outstanding works in this area. Through their participation in prestigious international film festivals, these filmmakers have successfully garnered numerous awards for their contributions to cinema. Based on this, the Cultural Center is ready, in coordination with the cinematic institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to facilitate connections between filmmakers and audiences from both countries by organizing cinematic events.

The head of the Festivals Section of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in response, expressed her pleasure at the meeting and expressed readiness for joint cooperation in the field of film and cinema. She mentioned that their organization collaborates with various institutions, embassies, and diplomatic assemblies in organizing festivals, exhibitions, and workshops for film enthusiasts. She emphasized that the Film Development Council plays its role well as a coordinator and expressed interest in collaborating with the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in these areas, provided the necessary resources are available.

Mr. Abolghasemi further emphasized that Iranian cinema holds vast potential, and the Cultural Center is prepared to facilitate opportunities for Filipino filmmakers to engage with Iran's prominent cinematic events, such as the Fajr Film Festival, Cinema Verite Festival, and the International Film Festival for Children and Youth. He also expressed hope that, in return, the Film Development Council of the Philippines would create opportunities for Iranian filmmakers to participate in Philippine film festivals. This could include hosting film reviews, panel discussions, and workshops, which would foster greater connections and expand cinematographic relations between Iran and the Philippines. He mentioned the names of several prominent Iranian filmmakers who have won numerous international awards and noted the possibility of inviting one of these distinguished directors to the Philippines. This would allow for the organization of educational workshops and retrospectives on Iranian cinema for film enthusiasts with the invitation and participation of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

 

Ms. "Marian Angelica Torre" welcomed the proposal for the participation of a renowned Iranian filmmaker to conduct workshops and retrospectives on cinematic works. She mentioned that the Film Development Council of the Philippines will be relocating to a new location in the Makati area in October. After the move, the council will resume its activities, including overseeing film production, organizing film festivals, and conducting filmmaking classes from beginner to professional levels. As such, she indicated that broader collaboration with the Cultural Center would be feasible once they settle into their new premises.

 

Mr. Abolghasemi concluded by emphasizing that, in addition to the cooperation in the implementation of the above programs, there is a readiness to conclude a memorandum of cooperation between the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Iranian Cinema Organization to undertake joint cinematic projects.

 

The meeting concluded with the Cultural Counselor presenting a gift to the Head of the Festivals Section of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It was agreed that further discussions would be held in future meetings at the Cultural Center to continue pursuing the outlined matters.