In a meeting between Representative of UNICEF in Iran Robin Nandy and Head of FCF Seyyed Mehdi Javadi, the means of advancing the knowledge of Iranian filmmakers and developing the themes of children’s films were discussed, the Public Relations Department of the FCF reported.
“We here at the Farabi [Cinema] Foundation have put the creation of quality products for children and young adults on our agenda,” said Javadi, citing their plans to found a National Club for Children and Young Adult’s Cinema as an example.
As the secretary of the 35th International Film Festival for Children & Youth (ICFF), Javadi highlighted that organizers are increasingly determined not to sacrifice the quality of entries for the festival’s timetable, even though the pandemic outbreak has negatively affected the number of works submitted for children and youth cinema.
“To have UNICEF play a post-hoc role by praising and handing out awards at the ICFF is the least we can do,” maintained Javadi, expressing his enthusiasm for having UNICEF supporting Iranian filmmakers every step of the way.
Describing Iran as a forerunner in the field of children’s rights since it ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994, Javadi advised filmmakers to showcase such accomplishments in their films for children and young adults.
The Farabi Cinema Foundation chief noted that one of FCF’s missions is reviving Iranian children and young adults' cinema under the country’s five-year vision plan.
Last but not least, Javadi advocated the joint sponsorship of events and workshops.
Nandy unveiled a five-year plan that would include hosting joint yearly workshops.
Moreover, he reiterated UNICEF’s support for the International Film Festival for Children & Youth as well as Farabi Cinema Foundation.
For his part, Nandy hailed 'No Prior Appointment,' directed by Behrouz Shoeibi, and the acting of its child actor.
During the meeting, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Iran Vahid Hedayati highlighted the need for the collective education of Iranian filmmakers, similar to how judges, lawyers, and social workers are currently educated in Iran.
UNICEF Iran Goodwill Ambassador Mahtab Keramati welcomed the ideas explored in the meeting, expressing her hope for expanded cooperation between FCF and UNICEF.
Considering UNICEF’s position and function, International Vice President of the Farabi Cinema Foundation Raed Faridzadeh warned against limiting cooperation between the two organizations to the international festival.
“UNICEF and FCF should deliberate and form a special task force for utilizing the capacities of both organizations to the full,” Faridzadeh maintained.
Source: Iran Daily