Comprehensive Coverage of the 9th International Film Festival “City” Closing Ceremony: A Cultural and Cinematic Celebration

The Heart of the Event: Keynote Addresses and Cultural Reflections

Maryam Pirkari’s Vision: Cinema as a Reflection of Urban Life

Maryam Pirkari, the secretary of the 9th “City” International Film Festival, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the connection between urban life and cinema. She highlighted how the festival served as a platform for empathy, artistic collaboration, and cultural dialogue, especially after the challenges faced during the 12-day war.

She announced exciting future projects, including special productions for the Fajr Film Festival under the Tehran Cinema Group, aimed at promoting Iranian cinema on both national and international stages.

Honoring Veteran Actor Jamshid Hashempour

A significant moment was the honoring of Jamshid Hashempour, a veteran actor whose contributions to Iranian film and television have left an indelible mark. In his heartfelt speech, Hashempour expressed gratitude towards the audience and industry colleagues, emphasizing the importance of cinema as a means of cultural storytelling.

Perspectives on the City and Cinema

Mohammad Bagher Aalami, head of the Cultural and Artistic Organization of Tehran Municipality, shared insights into the symbolic relationship between Tehran’s urban landscape and cinematic narratives. He described the festival as “a ritual of seeing”, where cinema becomes a mirror reflecting the city’s joys, pains, and resilience.

He emphasized that Iranian cities are woven with stories of heroes, ordinary people, and cultural resilience, which filmmakers help to preserve and showcase to the world.

November 14, 2025 | 4:32 pm