Cultural Heritage Multimedia Festival Offers Unique Opportunities for Local and Ethnic Stories

Abolfazl Jalili Highlights the Significance of the Festival

Abolfazl Jalili, a jury member for the feature film section of the 3rd International Multimedia Cultural Heritage Festival, described the festival as a valuable platform for producing and showcasing outstanding local and ethnic works. Speaking about the cinematic section, Jalili praised the quality of films and the outstanding performances of the actors, emphasizing the need for specific awards dedicated to acting in future editions.

He noted the absence of experience-sharing workshops between jurors and filmmakers, pointing out the value of such exchanges in international festivals. Jalili expressed a desire for similar sessions in this festival, including public discussions about cultural heritage to foster knowledge-sharing among attendees.

Highlighting the festival’s rich ethnic diversity, Jalili commended films representing Kurdish, Baloch, Lori, Turkish, and Gilaki cultures. He also stressed the importance of preserving intangible heritage, such as language and traditions, and using these themes to create culturally significant films.

Reflecting on his experience as a juror, Jalili remarked that the core value of festivals lies not in the competition but in what participants and audiences gain from them. He urged more focus on educating younger generations about cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity through cinematic storytelling.

Jalili concluded by calling for fewer but more specialized festivals in the country, emphasizing that systematic planning and governmental support are essential for their success. He underscored the critical role of cultural heritage in shaping national identity, urging greater appreciation and protection of these invaluable assets.