Shiraz to Host 200 Guests at Fajr International Film Festival

TEHRAN -- The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is set to host nearly 200 guests from Europe, the Americas, the Far East, and the region, festival director Rouhollah Husseini announced at a press conference held at the Cinema Museum in Shiraz.

Husseini emphasized the vital role of media in shaping public perception of cinema. “Media is not merely a temporary companion of cinema; it is a long-term partner,” he said. 
“It contributes to building collective memory and influences the way audiences approach films. Experiencing cinema alongside critical analysis elevates the audience beyond a personal viewing experience.”
The festival this year will feature four main competitive sections: the International Competition, Spotlight on the East, Horizons, and Broken Olive, along with three non-competitive segments showcasing restored Iranian classics, retrospectives of Turkish cinema, and the Festival of Festivals. 
Husseini said the selection process prioritized a “poetic approach,” highlighting films that reflect Iran’s literary and cultural heritage rather than strictly commercial or mainstream narratives.
Significantly, the 2025 festival is being held in Shiraz, a city renowned for its poetry and history. Husseini explained that the move reflects a policy of cultural decentralization: 
“Iran is not only Tehran. By bringing the festival to Shiraz, we aim to link cinema with the city’s rich cultural and literary identity.” Visitors will have opportunities to explore Shiraz’s historic sites, integrating tourism and cultural diplomacy into the festival experience.
In addition to Iranian films, the festival will feature 16 international films from 21 countries in the International Competition. The Spotlight on the East section includes 12 films from 18 countries, while the Horizons section showcases 11 films from 10 countries. 
Broken Olive, a section dedicated to themes of resistance, peace, and perseverance, presents six films from 15 countries, focusing on regional conflicts such as the Gaza war, issues in Palestine and Lebanon, and Iran’s historical struggles.
Husseini also highlighted the participation of notable figures in global cinema. Nuri Bilge Ceylan, the Cannes Palme d’Or-winning director, has been invited to serve on the festival jury. He stressed that all selected films have undergone standard festival review processes, with no works excluded due to censorship.
The festival’s educational initiatives continue with the Dar al-Fonoon program, which will host 60 cinema students—38 from abroad and 22 from Iran—for workshops led by experienced filmmakers and jury members. Other activities include masterclasses on poetic cinema, acting, and cinematography.
Organizers said the Fajr International Film Festival has been officially recognized by FIAP, adhering to international standards for “A-list” festivals, ensuring proper scheduling, and avoiding overlap with other global events.
Husseini praised the support of the Shiraz municipality and Fars province, noting that most of the festival’s budget—including international travel, accommodation, and event logistics—has been covered locally. He also thanked the Ministry of Culture, Farabi Cinema Foundation, and Cinema Museum for their contributions.
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival will run from November 26 to December 2, with screenings, workshops, and cultural events taking place across Shiraz.