Tunisian cineastes meet Iranian official

TEHRAN,Nov.10(MNA) -- Iranian Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs Javad Shamaqdari hosted Tunisian cinematographers at the venue of the ministry on Tuesday. After extending his congratulations on the Tusisian victory, Shamaqdari noted that the task of cineastes has now become more difficult. Iran and Tunisia have several cultural communalities which should be highlighted after Tunisian revolution, Shamaqdari added. He said that Iran has improved in different cultural fields including cinema after the victory of the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Shamaqdari condemned Zionism, saying that in his belief, “Zionism does not let some Iranian films to be distributed internationally”. “Most of the Iranian films which were awarded at festivals are the ones supported by Zionism. You Tunisian cineastes should be aware of the traps of these international festivals,” he said. He also gave some statistics about annual Iranian film productions and festivals which Iran hosts during the years. “Over 1000 documentaries and short films are produced annually in Iran and over 40 film festivals are held in Iran,” he said. He proposed joint investments in cinematic projects between Iran and Tunisia and the countries can also hold an Islamic film market. He also said that Iran and Tunisia can share their technological experiences and special effect techniques. The Iranian cultural attaché to Tunisia Sedeq Ramezani also told that the first Iranian cultural week will be held in Tunis under the title of “cultural exchanges” from December 9. He said that Iran plans to hold a film week each month in one of the Tunisian provinces.