The 19th International Film Festival of Resistance Opens in Isfahan
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Tehran Times
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The 19th International Film Festival of Resistance Opens in Isfahan

The opening ceremony of the 19th International Film Festival of Resistance took place in Isfahan on Thursday. Jalal Ghaffari Ghader, the festival secretary, noted that for the first eleven editions, the festival was called the Festival of Sacred Defense. Two changes occurred starting from the twelfth edition: an international focus was added, and the concept of 'Film of Sacred Defense' underwent semantic development and renewal to 'Film of Resistance.'

Ghaffari emphasized that the festival originated from the heart of war and sacred defense. He also noted that holding the current edition against the backdrop of ongoing conflict gives it special significance, considering the events of two recent wars. According to him, understanding film of resistance begins with realizing the very concept of resistance, as any nation decides not to be defeated even before combat begins.

The festival secretary added that the task of film of resistance is not just to record memories, but to form a conviction that must be accepted and trusted in the face of bullets and rifles. He also stated that a heroic nation loves to see its resistance reflected in the mirror of film of resistance, and if cinema only speaks of defeat, it will lead to failure, even with elite military forces. At the same time, film of resistance must distance itself from sloganistic approaches, telling about joy and hope alongside depicting the suffering of war.

Several special events were highlighted during the 19th edition. The first indicator was broad international representation: over 109 countries presented their works, and the presence of more than 1900 international productions demonstrates the global potential of film of resistance. The festival secretary particularly highlighted this unique semantic identity.

During the opening ceremony, the best works in various sections were awarded. The 19th International Film Festival of Resistance is held under the auspices of the Society of Revolutionary and Sacred Defense Cinema. Film of resistance strives to preserve human dignity, representing the sacrifices of peoples, defending the truth, and opposing oppression and domination, as well as presenting to the world stories that were previously little known or unnoticed.

With a history of nearly forty years, the International Film Festival of Resistance is an artistic and cinematic platform dedicated to promoting the spirit of resistance, awareness, and solidarity among the free peoples of the world. The festival's goals include discovering new talents, strengthening the movement of film of resistance, and establishing connections between filmmakers and artists from around the world.

The current 19th edition, with its international scope, focuses on concepts such as freedom, justice, human dignity, peace, hope, and progress, in addition to resistance. It aims to present a modern, diverse, and vibrant view of film of resistance and the human stories associated with it. In this edition, resistance is interpreted more broadly than just fighting on the battlefield or during war; it is viewed as an all-encompassing human struggle against oppression, occupation, discrimination, violence, domination, and oblivion, as well as a striving to preserve truth, identity, freedom, human dignity, and hope for the future.

Beyond the function of a film festival, the event represents a cultural initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between nations and filmmakers worldwide and promoting the achievement of justice, freedom, peace, and human dignity. Screenings of the festival films began on Friday at the Mellat Cinema Complex in Tehran and will continue until November 4.

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A number of art exhibitions are currently taking place in various galleries across Tehran. At the CAMA – Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery, an exhibition of paintings by a group of artists is being shown, running until November 2nd. This gallery is located at: No. 44, 10th Golestan, Pasdaran St.

Kavin Gallery is hosting an exhibition of Shahro Babaei's paintings. The exhibition, titled 'Nightfall,' will be available to visitors until November 6th. The gallery is located at: No.24, Pesian St. Zaferanieh Neighborhood.

Keiman Gallery features Farnaz Bagban's paintings under the title 'The Regression 2.' This exhibition concludes on November 2nd and is located at: 10 Akhgari St. in the Elahieh district.

Bashgah Gallery is hosting an exhibition of works by several artists, titled 'Someday, You’ll Remember.' This exhibition runs until November 6th and is located at: No.13, Hosseini St., Karim Khan Ave.

Shokuh Gallery is featuring Farrokhht Kiaiemehr's paintings, which will end on November 2nd. The gallery is located at: 19 Amir Nuri Alley, North Salimi St. off Andarzgu Blvd.

Atbin Gallery currently displays Fatemeh Kasraian's paintings under the title 'Voyage to Nowhere.' The exhibition will continue until November 3rd and is located at: 42 Khakzad Alley, Vali-e Asr Ave. near the Parkway Intersection.

Hoor Gallery is holding an exhibition of Samila Amir-Ebrahimi's paintings, which will run until November 13th. The gallery is located at: 12 Naeimi Alley, North Mirza Shirazi St., off Motahhari Ave.

Maria Beygi's collection of paintings is exhibited at 009821 Projects Gallery under the title 'The Nest of Fire.' This exhibition concludes on November 3rd and is located at: No. 25, 18th Alley, Kheradmand St., Karim Khan Ave.

Mohammad Nouriyan's paintings are presented at Negar Gallery. The exhibition will run until November 6th and is located at: No. 5, Bahrami alley, Mashahir Street, Qaem Maqam Farahani Avenue.

Aria Gallery is also hosting an exhibition of Panteh Bayat Mohtari's paintings. This exhibition will conclude on November 2nd and is located at: No. 10 Zarrin Alley, near Beheshti St., Vali-e Asr Ave.

Iran defeats Guyana in FIFA U15 World Cup 2026
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Iran defeats Guyana in FIFA U15 World Cup 2026

Iran began the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026 with a confident 6-0 victory over Guyana on Saturday.

Iran was placed in Group R along with teams such as Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Guyana, and Mauritius. Competitions against teams from different regions will allow young players to familiarize themselves with diverse playing styles and tactical approaches.

The young Persians will play their matches on Sunday against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brunei.

The tournament includes 189 national teams divided into 32 groups and is held in an eight-player format. Each match consists of two 20-minute halves, and player substitutions are allowed.

The FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 24 to 30.

11th European Film Festival Officially Opens in Uzbekistan
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uzdaily.uz

11th European Film Festival Officially Opens in Uzbekistan

The 11th European Film Festival officially kicked off in Uzbekistan at the National Palace of Arts Cinema. Screenings during the festival will take place in Tashkent and Urgench.

The event is organized annually by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Uzbekistan together with the Cinematographic Agency under the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan, with the support of embassies of EU member states, cultural institutions, and other European countries.

As is customary, the festival began with a press conference attended by the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, and Matyakub Machanov, Chairman of the Creative Union of Cinematographers of Uzbekistan.

The program includes 11 films directed by filmmakers from Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, and Slovenia. The selection covers genres ranging from documentaries and psychological dramas to animation, biographical pictures, and romantic stories.

Screenings in Tashkent are scheduled from October 23 to 25 at the National Palace of Arts Cinema, formerly known as Panorama Cinema. On October 27, films will be shown in Urgench at the Khudoyargan Devonova Cinema.

During the festival, the British Council in Uzbekistan will also present a series of short films for students of the University of World Languages of Uzbekistan and in the MOK HUB cultural space.

Since its launch in 2013, the European Film Festival has become one of Uzbekistan's most anticipated cultural events. Over 120 films from almost all EU member states and other European countries have already been screened in nine regions of Uzbekistan, including Navoi, Nukus, Shahrisabz, Fergana, Jizzakh, and Bukhara.

EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar noted that the European Film Festival provides an opportunity to get to know Europe through stories reflecting the diversity of cultures and universal human values. He added that this year's expansion beyond Tashkent was a welcome tradition, contributing to cultural exchange with the regions of Uzbekistan. Klaar expressed gratitude to the Cinematographic Agency of Uzbekistan, the embassies of EU member states, and participating cultural organizations for their long-term partnership, which has made the festival a vibrant cultural event promoting dialogue between peoples through the universal language of cinema.

Matyakub Machanov emphasized that the European Film Festival is an important platform for intercultural dialogue and creative exchange. He stated that the festival gives Uzbek audiences a chance to better learn about the unique artistic approaches of European cinematography, as well as the life, values, and spiritual heritage of different peoples. Machanov is confident in the continuous development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and European countries in the field of cinematography, noting the importance of co-production, professional exchange, and promoting domestic films on the international stage. He invited everyone to participate in the 11th European Film Festival in Tashkent and Urgench.

The festival opened with the screening of the 2024 animated film 'Boat in the Garden' (Slocum et moi), a co-production from France and Luxembourg directed by Jean-François Lagionni. The film received the highest award at the Cartoons on the Bay festival and Pulcinella awards. It was also nominated for Best Animated Film at the International Animation Film Festival in Annecy and for the Lumière Award.

The film is set in the early 1950s in a coastal town where a young boy named François builds a sailboat in his family garden with his parents. This ambitious project inspires him to dream bigger, symbolizing the transition from childhood to youth.

Over the years, the European Film Festival has transformed into a platform for cultural initiatives aimed at uniting countries and people through cinema. The organizers thanked the embassies of Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, and Slovenia, as well as the French Institute and Goethe-Institut, for supporting the festival within the Team Europe initiative.

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