Fajr International Film Festival

The Fajr International Film Festival is Iran’s premier annual film event, held every February in Tehran. Since 1983, it has brought together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from Iran and abroad, awarding top honors to outstanding works in cinema.

• Held every 1–11 February in Tehran since 1983
• Crystal Simorgh and Golden Simurgh are top festival awards
• Screenings and events at Milad Tower
• Features national and international film competitions
• Marks the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution

What it is

The Fajr International Film Festival is the most significant film event in Iran, showcasing both national and international cinema. Held each year in Tehran, it marks the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. The festival is a major platform for Iranian filmmakers and a meeting point for global cinema, with its top prizes—the Crystal Simorgh and Golden Simurgh—regarded as the Iranian equivalent of the Academy Awards. It draws a diverse crowd, from local enthusiasts to international guests, and is a highlight of the cultural calendar in Iran.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1983, just a few years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as a way to celebrate and promote Iranian cinema. Over time, it expanded to include international films and guests, reflecting Iran’s growing engagement with the global film community. From 2015 to 2022, the festival was split into separate national and international editions, but these were merged again in 2022. The event has weathered political and social changes, maintaining its role as a central stage for filmmakers and audiences in Iran.

How it is celebrated

The festival runs for eleven days each February, with screenings, competitions, and award ceremonies held at venues like Tehran’s Milad Tower. Films from Iran and around the world compete in categories such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, with special sections for Asian and spiritual cinema. The Crystal Simorgh and Golden Simurgh are among the most coveted awards. The event features juries for different competitions, and awards are presented at a closing ceremony. The atmosphere is lively, with filmmakers, actors, critics, and fans gathering for premieres, discussions, and celebrations of cinema. International guests and speakers often take part, and the festival is widely covered by local and international media.

Joining in

Visitors to Tehran during the festival can expect a vibrant city filled with film lovers and cultural events. Screenings are held at major venues, especially Milad Tower, and tickets are available to the public. While most films are in Persian, many international entries are subtitled or presented in English. The festival is a unique opportunity to experience Iranian cinema firsthand, meet filmmakers, and join in the excitement of one of the region’s most important cultural gatherings.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Fajr International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Fajr International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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