Iran’s 18th International Resistance Film Festival to open May 17
Festival to be permanently held on May 24 each year, symbolizing resilience and victory, organizers announce
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran’s prestigious 18th International Resistance Film Festival is set to open on May 17, 2025, with the event concluding on May 24, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr.
Jalal Ghaffari, secretary of the festival, announced that moving forward, the closing ceremony will be permanently held each year on May 24, according to IRNA News.
Speaking in an interview, Ghaffari said the decision was not merely procedural but symbolically ties resistance cinema to a pivotal moment in Iran’s contemporary history.
Highlighting the deeper meaning behind the date, he said, “May 24 is not just a day on the calendar; it represents the breaking of sieges, the overcoming of obstacles, and the achievement of victory.”
Ghaffari emphasized that the festival serves not only as a showcase for cinematic works but also as a platform for narrating the steadfastness of the Iranian people through the medium of film.
He added that the date reflects how resistance cinema, much like Khorramshahr’s liberation, can overcome censorship and dominant media narratives to bring the voice of truth to a global audience.
Underlining the international scope of the festival, Ghaffari stressed that resistance cinema carries the ideals of freedom and anti-imperialism beyond Iran’s borders.
Over the years the festival has built a strong reputation among committed filmmakers and has become a platform for dialogue and collaboration among resistance artists worldwide.
This year’s edition seeks to expand resistance cinema’s reach, offering new perspectives and reinforcing its role as a powerful tool for cultural and media diplomacy.
The International Resistance Film Festival will now be held annually, noting its growing importance as a major cinematic event in the region, particularly in the fields of resistance and justice-seeking.
The 18th edition aims to reflect broader regional and international developments while conveying messages of resistance, justice, and truth through cinema.
Ghaffari concluded by announcing that the festival’s permanent secretariat will begin its activities this year, with full program details for the 2025 edition to be released soon.
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