International Resistance Film Festival Partners with Basirah Institute for Creative Collaboration

The International Resistance Film Festival is taking significant steps towards fostering cultural and cinematic exchanges in the region. Today, a delegation led by Dr. Mohammad Ali Shojaei Fard arrived in Baghdad, marking a historic moment as this is the first international event of the Resistance Film Festival held in Iraq.

According to the public relations office of the International Resistance Film Festival, the delegation’s primary goal is to enhance cultural and artistic interactions, especially in the realms of cinema and media productions. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Basirah Institute of Iraq, aimed at jointly organizing various cultural events.

On the inaugural day of their visit, the Resistance Film Festival officials engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Basirah Institute. The meeting was focused on exploring the media organization’s capabilities and exchanging ideas for potential bilateral cooperation.

The agreements established with the Basirah Institute encompass multiple collaborative efforts, including:

• Joint production of a short film addressing shared themes and issues such as the struggle against ISIS, Arbaeen, the fight against tyranny, and combatting Zionism.
• Cooperation in organizing Resistance Festival events in Iraq.
• Co-producing cinematic works, particularly the second part of the film “North from South West” at Camp Ashraf.
• Conducting cinema training courses.
• Offering artificial intelligence training programs.

During this visit, Israfil Kaliji, the executive director of the event and head of the international committee of the Resistance Film Festival, provided insights into the planned activities. He mentioned that the delegation has scheduled meetings with prominent figures, including:

• The Deputy Minister of Culture of Iraq, Mr. Mohand Alaqabi.
• The head of the Hashd al-Shaabi media.
• Visits to cultural and cinematic venues, including cinemas located in the Jadriya and Harithiya shopping centers.
• A meeting with Dr. Muzad Asadi from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Baghdad.

Kaliji also noted that the culmination of this visit will coincide with the inaugural Basirah Cinema and Theater Festival, which will feature the screening of the film “North from South West.” This film, making its debut in Iraq, has been nominated for 13 international and national awards and has won several accolades.

The head of the international committee of the Resistance Film Festival emphasized that the visit and the hosting of joint events signify a commitment to strengthening cultural and artistic cooperation between Iran and Iraq. Furthermore, this collaboration is aimed at promoting the art of resistance in the region.

This partnership between the International Resistance Film Festival and the Basirah Institute is expected to pave the way for a rich exchange of ideas and cultural expressions, thereby enhancing the artistic landscape in both nations. The initiative serves not only as a platform for filmmakers and artists but also as a means to celebrate shared histories and struggles through cinema.

As the festival unfolds, the anticipation builds around the collaborative projects that will stem from this visit, highlighting the potential for cinematic storytelling to bridge gaps between cultures. The emphasis on themes of resistance and resilience resonates strongly with the region’s historical context, making these discussions and projects all the more significant.

In conclusion, the arrival of the delegation from the International Resistance Film Festival in Baghdad is a monumental step towards fostering deeper cultural ties and artistic collaborations between Iran and Iraq. The focus on cinema as a vehicle for storytelling and cultural exchange underscores the importance of such initiatives in today’s global landscape.