The first Parvaz (flight) International Film Festival which opened on Tuesday seeks to showcase issues and problems as well as the capabilities and creativity of the physically challenged through films, says event secretary Fatemeh Amiri.
“The UN has named the decade 2013-2023 as the International Decade for the Disabled to protect their rights, following which a conference was held in Delhi where it was decided to organize a festival in Iran,” Amiri said earlier at a press conference, IRNA reported.
The festival includes short films and documentaries exclusively for reflecting the problems and issues concerning the disabled as well as their capabilities in terms of artistic works and products.
It is expected that the screening of such films will have a social impact and help better understand the problems and potentials of people with disabilities as well as their growth and progress in life.
Filmmakers have often tried to illustrate the untold stories of disabled people’s lives in their productions in an attempt to draw public attention and to encourage the authorities to develop infrastructure and facilities in urban and rural spaces for the disabled.
“Of the total 300 movies received by the festival secretariat, 50 short and documentary films have entered the competition section,” said Muhammad Qanbari, member of the policymaking council of the festival.”
India and the Philippines have submitted the most number of entries.
Besides screening films in the competition section, feature films with related topics and short films made via cell phone with similar themes will be shown in the non-competitive section.
Scientific, technical and educational workshops are also planned on the sidelines of the festival at Tehran’s iconic Azadi Tower.
The winners, including 10 short films and 10 documentaries will be awarded an appreciation trophy and the statue of the festival together with a cash prize at the closing ceremony on December 17.
