By Ali Darabi, deputy minister of cultural heritage: Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, A safe journey into Iran’s cultural treasures

The International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, with its focus on intangible and tangible cultural heritage, is a bridge linking Iran’s past and future.

Beyond preserving the cultural heritage of the country, it opens avenues for creativity and innovation, shaping a promising future for cinema and other artistic fields. Holding this festival not only aids in preserving cultural heritage but also fosters innovation and creativity, paving the way for a bright future in the cinema and arts industries.

Now in its third year, the International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage continues to flourish. The first edition was held in Yazd, the city of wind-catchers; the second one in Qazvin; and this year’s edition is hosted by Shiraz, the city of renowned poets like Saadi and Hafez, dedicated to promoting Iran’s ancient cultural heritage. Over 4,000 submissions were received for this edition, and nearly 90 experts evaluated and judged them over the past month. This year’s festival spanned 14 categories and introduced a non-competitive international section, although the regional events somewhat impacted this segment.

Iran, the land of poets and scholars, values poetry as a testament to historical evolution and cultural wealth. Recognizing poetry’s role in advancing the Persian language and elevating public heritage awareness, a new poetry section was added to the International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage. The festival’s main objective is to enhance people’s understanding and appreciation of this national treasure.

Iran’s cultural heritage is a source of pride, ranking among the top ten countries for inscribed tangible heritage and the top five for intangible heritage; yet, many Iranians remain largely unfamiliar with this immense heritage.

A key goal of the festival is to showcase standardization and transparency in processes, as these elevate the festival’s credibility and promote healthy competition, solidifying the festival’s prestige.

The festival offers a space for artists to draw inspiration from tradition and create works that blend heritage with modernity. Its varied, engaging programs have earned it a distinguished place among prestigious international festivals. Workshops, art exhibitions, and competitions provide participants with ample opportunities to connect and collaborate. By highlighting intangible heritage, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Iranian culture and traditions.

The festival’s platform allows artists and filmmakers to showcase unique works, underscoring its significance in Iran’s cinema industry. The festival benefits its host province by showcasing historic sites, turning visitors into cultural ambassadors for their home cities. It brings vitality and unity, fostering a sense of national cohesion and pride.

The festival’s most significant message is that Iran is a stable and secure nation, where people live and work in peace. I hope this festival will foster experience-sharing and collaboration for years to come.