During a recent press conference in Tehran, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, celebrated significant cultural advancements in the past year, marking his first anniversary in office. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to bridging gaps between authorities and artists, particularly filmmakers, and highlighted increased artist participation in events like the Fajr Film Festival. Salehi discussed decentralization efforts, new cultural infrastructure, and initiatives to counter negative portrayals of Iran globally, including the launch of the “Damavand” multimedia platform. He also addressed the importance of transparency, support for expatriate artists, and collaboration with Afghan migrants, reinforcing unity amid ongoing conflicts.