Representatives of the film industry from Russia, India, UAE, Egypt, Iran, South Africa and other countries discussed the prospects of joint film production and the development of national film distribution at the Spirit of Fire festival in Khanty-Mansiysk. The main theme of this year’s event is stated as “The Special Language of the BRICS countries’ national cinema”. TV BRICS is the international media partner of the festival.

“This festival is a great platform for young filmmakers who surprise with their ideas. I think that Russian, Iranian and generally oriental cinema is destined to amaze the world with original themes and unique form of expression. The development of culture, art is the most important civilisation process”

Emir Kusturica
President of the film festival
Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali emphasised that one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries is the production of joint film productions by Iranian and Russian filmmakers.

“Iranian-Russian relations are developing rapidly in all directions. One of them is the film industry. Directors from our country have so far actively participated in various joint events, including the Moscow International Film Festival. Moreover, the Ministries of Culture of Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of co-operation in the field of cinema”

Kazem Jalali
Iranian Ambassador to Russia
At the plenary session of the Russia-Iran Film Dialogue, director Behrouz Shoaybi said he was ready to create joint films with Russian directors.

“We need to combine a whole set of opportunities to realise this or that project,” he added. Masoud Ahmadvand, head of the cultural representation at the Iranian Embassy in Russia, considers BRICS a good platform for building effective interaction between the countries.

“The alliance states have common moral values and the same view on many issues. All these are conducive to making films together,” Ahmadvand remarked.

Indian producer Sarfaraz Alam Safu, who has signed an agreement with the Russian film company, said that both Indian and Russian actors will participate in the projects. The shooting will take place in both countries.

“I love Russia very much. I was 16 when my parents sent me to Moscow to study. You could say that I grew up here. I studied at the Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba. For me Russia is my second home,” said Sarfaraz Alam Safu.

The Spirit of Fire International Debut Film Festival has been held in Khanty-Mansiysk since 2003. This time it is included in the Plan of Russia’s presidency in the BRICS association in 2024. During the events of its business programme, experts will discuss international cooperation in the sphere of cinematography and joint film production, the creation of a film education system with the BRICS countries, the development of cultural heritage and identity as a competitive advantage, and the role of creative industries as an important factor in the growth of national economies.

Photo: TV BRICS, Roscongress Foundation