TEHRAN, Iran — The inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival recently honored Iranian filmmaker Ramtin Balef with the Special Jury Award for his documentary “The Last of the Whale Shark.” The festival took place from July 3 to 7 in the Yongchuan district of Chongqing, China, coinciding with the BRICS Summit and the first Asian Countries Meeting.
Balef’s documentary explores the poignant journey of a whale shark as it seeks its soul mate within the vastness of the ocean. It stands as a notable entry in a festival that showcased a diverse array of international films, including three others from Iran: “The Orange Forest,” directed by Arman Khansarian; “No Prior Appointment,” by Behrouz Shoaibi; and “In the Arms of the Tree,” helmed by Babak Khajepasha.
Organized by the China Film Administration in collaboration with the Chongqing municipal government, the festival aimed to strengthen cultural ties among SCO member nations. Under the theme “Technology & Film · Charm of the SCO,” the five-day event served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, featuring an array of activities designed to foster collaboration.
The festival included forums on international cooperation, exhibitions showcasing innovative technologies, tourism initiatives, and captivating drone light shows. This year marked significant anniversaries in cinema, with the industry celebrating 130 years of global film and 120 years of Chinese cinema, further emphasizing the event’s cultural significance.
Eleven main activities highlighted the festival, such as film screenings, technology expos, discussions, and a gala concert. Awards were presented across ten categories, including honors for Best Film and Best Director. A total of 27 films from various SCO countries were submitted, out of which a carefully curated selection was screened during the festival.
The SCO Film Festival is not merely an artistic event but serves as a crucial platform for storytelling and mutual understanding among participating nations. Its collaboration with the SCO Summit enriches the discourse on cinematic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue.
The success of this festival marks a promising start, setting the stage for future gatherings that emphasize the importance of global cinematic narratives and foster connections among different cultures.
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