Turk-Iranian film fest opens

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Turkish and Iranian filmmakers have come together for the Istanbul leg of a film festival that aims to both develop joint productions between the two countries and ensure a better life for children.

The “Şehrin Kelebekleri” (Butterflies of the City) festival, which is being organized under the leadership of Illusionist Lab and supported by many nongovernmental organizations on the theme of children, opened at the Kadıköy Culture Center. “In this world, children have become the victims of the ideas of adults.

Children in third-world countries are the victims of poverty and war. This is why they need help. The festival is trying to help them via cinema,” said the director of the festival, Shahran Ghalabadi.

Iranian director Abolfazl Jalili said he was enticed to participate in the festival because the main theme was children. The festival includes documentaries, dramas, 100-second films and feature films. Children are also taking part in the festival with a film of their own. The selective committee of the festival includes Turkish directors and many directors and writers from Iran.

The finale of the festival will be held at the Tehran Milad Tower on Nov. 26 and 27. Two films by Turkish and Iranian directors will be given an honorary award.