Mahshid Zamani, Member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran: We Represent the 'Non-Governmental Cinema of Iran' at Berlinale

Mahshid Zamani, a film critic and member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA), spoke with Voice of America about this year's Berlin Film Festival, Berlinale, the presence of Iranian cinema, and the association's programs at this artistic event. The 74th edition of the festival opened on Thursday, February 15 (26 Bahman) in Germany. This year's Berlinale also addresses political issues, including cultural repression in Iran. The travel bans imposed on Behtash Sanaeiha and Maryam Maqdami, directors of the film 'My Favorite Cake,' are among the focal points of this year's festival. Mahshid Zamani tells Voice of America that the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran also has a booth at the Berlinale film market this year and is presenting various programs related to Iranian cinema. She adds that there are about 170 booths from different countries at the film market, and associations and film organizations are trying to connect with each other and create professional networks to provide more opportunities and positions for filmmakers and film projects. Mahshid Zamani discusses the state of Iranian cinema and the conditions of Iranian filmmakers, saying, 'Everyone who visits our booth asks about the situation of Iranian cinema. We know that the film 'My Favorite Cake' is being screened in the main competitive section of the festival, but Behtash Sanaeiha and Maryam Maqdami, the creators of this work, are banned from leaving the country and could not travel to Germany. Almost all Iranian films present at the festival face such issues, and that's why many questions are raised in this regard.' According to Ms. Zamani, repression and suffocation in Iranian cinema, and the restrictions imposed on independent Iranian filmmakers by the Islamic Republic, are among the hot and controversial topics at the film market and the Berlinale. She continues, 'Additionally, many of the Iranian films present in various sections of this year's festival, including feature and short films, were made by Iranian female filmmakers such as Ms. Sharifi, Maryam Maqdami, or Narges Kalehr, and this has received significant attention.' Mahshid Zamani discusses the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran's program at the festival, stating, 'This is our second presence at the film market and the Berlinale. Last year, we had a very successful experience, and the films whose ideas were presented here were all made and achieved significant international success.' She adds that the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran has also arranged a similar program this year, presenting the idea of creating six film projects with prominent filmmakers to attract producers or investors. According to Ms. Zamani, another program of the association is the screening of a film titled 'Diamond in G Minor' directed by Hassan Solhjoo, which will be part of a tribute to Dariush Mehrjui, the renowned Iranian filmmaker who was recently murdered. She also mentioned that a meeting will be held with Iranian filmmakers present at the festival and Iranian artists residing in Berlin, aimed at familiarizing, connecting, and expanding the network of independent Iranian filmmakers. Mahshid Zamani discusses the role and importance of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran's programs in raising awareness about the state of Iranian cinema at global festivals, saying, 'Our association has been very influential in the short time since its establishment. In addition to supporting independent cinema, we have managed to neutralize the propaganda and advertising of the Islamic government regarding filmmaking and the misrepresentation of Iranian society in their films at global festivals.' She continues, 'On the other hand, the association, by supporting independent Iranian films made underground, strives to present a true image of Iran. For example, my film, Maryam, the children, and 26 others, which received moral support from the association from the beginning, has achieved significant successes; this film was made without adhering to the compulsory hijab in Iran.' According to Ms. Zamani, one of the reasons for the success of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran is the collaboration of professionals who, without political and financial dependencies, have come together as an independent trade association with the aim of introducing and supporting independent Iranian cinema. She further discusses the Fajr Film Festival, which recently concluded in Iran and faced much criticism and indifference from the public, stating, 'The Fajr Festival is over; it is a governmental event in which many stakeholders and professionals in Iranian cinema do not participate. Even audiences, critics, and media have no interest in attending the festival.' According to Mahshid Zamani, the Fajr Film Festival is 'on its last breaths'; no independent films participated in the festival, no significant filmmakers attended the event, and 'this indicates the end of the line,' as no one takes this governmental event seriously anymore.