"Persian philosophical literature has influenced Indonesia for centuries. It shaped our literary arts tradition, and today, the legacy of this cultural exchange has developed in a new form through the power of film," he stated at the film festival opening on Friday.
According to Zon, film is a vital medium, especially for expressing soft power, allowing the audience to enjoy acting performances and experience other expressions of artistic culture, including dance, song, music, literature, and culinary arts.
Zon stated that this event is also part of the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iran.
"This also confirms a shared vision in the development of art, preservation of cultural heritage, academic exchange, and the creative industry. This festival is a manifestation of our commitment to provide a platform for filmmakers and storytellers from both countries to connect and contribute to the cultural landscape and diversity of the world," he affirmed.
The minister expressed hope that this agenda would create momentum for the acceptance of Indonesian films abroad.
This aligns with the growth trajectory of the Indonesian film industry, which reached a record of 81 million viewers in 2024. The government projects the film industry will grow by 6.13 percent in 2027 and contribute around Rp156 trillion (USD9.2 billion) to the national GDP.
"This event can also accommodate creative collaboration and encourage filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities in collaboration and production," he added.
The Iran-Indonesia Film Festival is a collaborative project between the Iranian Embassy in Indonesia and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
A total of eight Iranian and Indonesian films will be played until the end of February at various universities and schools in several cities in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Palembang, Banten, Makassar, and Bandung.
Related news: Iran committed to strengthening cultural relations with Indonesia
Translator: Kuntum Khaira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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