Zohal Razavi, an Iranian animator and jury member at several global events such as the Cinequest Festival, recently shed light on the challenges facing Iranian films in international festivals.
According to IBland’s News, according to her, outdated storytelling methods and failure to meet global standards have led to the frequent rejection of Iranian works on the global stage.
Global Curiosity, But Limited Presence
Reflecting on her jury experiences since 2022, Razavi explained that only one of her jury roles was in-person; at the Children’s Television Festival in the Czech Republic; while others in India and Vietnam were remote. At the Czech festival, she was struck by how integrated cinema was in the education system. Schoolchildren attended screenings as part of their curriculum, and engaged in Q&A sessions with directors; a sign of early cinematic literacy that she found inspiring.
Despite the curiosity about Iranian films in international festivals, Razavi noted the persistent challenges faced by Iranian filmmakers, particularly regarding visa issues and travel restrictions. She mentioned one Iranian director who was invited to a major event but couldn’t attend due to visa problems, a common issue that prevents meaningful global engagement.
The Missing Voice of Iranian Women Filmmakers
One of Razavi’s main concerns was the declining presence of Iranian women in the global film scene. While festivals increasingly feature female directors from Europe, the U.S., and India, Iranian women have become noticeably underrepresented. This trend, she argues, is due to reduced institutional support and a growing mismatch between Iranian productions and international festival expectations.
She also highlighted that in some festivals, there is now a dedicated female jury member to evaluate women-directed films; a necessity given the sheer volume of these entries. The absence of Iranian women in such spaces is therefore deeply concerning and highlights a widening gap.
Old Structures, New Challenges
Razavi emphasized that many Iranian films in international festivals fail to succeed because they rely on outdated structures; in terms of both storytelling and technical quality. While short films from abroad, particularly in genres like fantasy and horror, are thriving, Iranian works often feel out of sync.
She believes a shift is urgently needed: Iran must modernize its narrative approaches, directing techniques, and technical equipment. Without this, even standout talents may continue to be overlooked.
Building a New Foundation for Global Success
To restore the global standing of Iranian films in international festivals, Razavi calls for systemic change. She urges institutions to provide targeted support, develop modern infrastructures, and invest in training that aligns with global standards.
In her view, this transformation could once again pave the way for Iranian cinema to shine globally; but only if the industry is willing to adapt.
Source: Mehrnews