Tehran, Jan 31, IRNA � Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati said the cinema in Iran is dynamic and developing, anticipating a bright future for the industry following the removal of sanctions.


Speaking in the opening ceremony of the 34th Fajr Film Festival here on Sunday evening, he said that the prestigious annual event is unique in connecting artists and people.

'For the first time, more than 200 movies were nominated to be screened in the festival. It has been unprecedented,' he added.
With an exception of some 30 movies, Jannati said, the rest of films were produced by the private sector or institutions other than the culture ministry.
The minister rejected criticisms that the cinema industry in Iran is bankrupt and said, 'In a bankrupt artistic industry, such numbers of interested people and innovate production will not be meaningful.'

Jannati also said that the time and period of implementation of the nuclear Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action provide a unique opportunity for Iran's cinema which is required to be taken.
The Fajr Film Festival will continue for 10 days to mark the anniversary of the victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979.

By IRNA