New Zealander director: Iran film industry highly respected

Tehran, Nov 11, IRNA – Iranian film industry is highly respected, Gina Dellabarca, Director for Show Me Shorts Film Festival, New Zealand's leading international short film festival said. Dellabarca made the remarks in an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on the sidelines of the 35th Tehran International Short Film Festival which is underway in the Iranian capital city. Commenting on Iranian short film and cinema, she said, 'Iran is the country with the fourth largest number of short films submitted to my festival each year. I have seen hundreds of Iranian short films.' 'I know the film industry in Iran is very well developed and highly respected,' Dellabarca added. 'Being hosted by TISFF is an extremely valuable way for me to understand more about the film industry in Iran. This will help me find ways to promote more and better ways for cultural exchange between our countries,' she said elaborating on the importance of Iran's hosting the International Short Film Festival in the Middle East. Answering another question on the position of Iranian cinema in the world, Dellabarca said, 'I think it would be measured by success at being selected for international festivals. I don't currently know the success rate.' For much of her interview, she referred to cinematic perspective of New Zealand on short film, saying 'short films in New Zealand are known for being narrative-driven, character-based and often dark in subject matter, or with dark comedy. The high production values and expert cinematography coupled with our dramatically beautiful scenery have also lent themselves to our being known for the genre known as the 'landscape poem'.' 'The medium of film has a power to speak to people and connect ideas in both an intellectual and emotional way. Cinema is already succeeding here. What we still need is more diverse stories. There are missing voices we don't currently hear from,' Dellabarca said underlining the role of cinema in helping understand life better. 'Short films are a vital component for the health of any screen industry. They allow beginners and professionals alike to test ideas, flex their skills, and prove their abilities,' she reiterated. 'Iranian Youth cinema Society (IYCS) organizes Tehran International Short Film Festival every year in October (TISFF). It is one of the oldest short film festivals not only in Iran, but also in the region. By: Maryam Azish