Hawzah News Agency- Saeed Ilanlou, head of the Cinematic Affairs Department at Qom’s Directorate General of Culture and Islamic Guidance, said the province hosted the national festival for the twelfth time this year.
The screenings were held from February 4 to 11 at Shahr Bazaar Cinema Complex and Tarbiat Cinema. Out of 31 films competing in the festival’s main section, 29 were screened in Qom, along with one animated feature and one locally produced film. In total, 32 regular screenings and four additional special screenings were organized.
Despite new restrictions limiting provinces to a maximum of two cinema venues—down from three in previous years—Qom recorded a significant turnout, Ilanlou said.
Due to strong public demand, four extra screenings were scheduled for the films Nim Shab (Midnight), Escort, Ghoutehvar (The Diver), and Carwash at Shahr Bazaar Cinema Complex.
According to organizers, the most-watched films in Qom were Nim Shab, directed by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian, and Escort, directed by Yousef Hatamikia, both of which drew large audiences throughout the festival week.
Ilanlou noted that despite rising operational costs, ticket prices remained unchanged compared to last year in a move aimed at supporting film enthusiasts and promoting access to cinema.
Local Filmmakers Recognized
Qom-based filmmakers also made their mark at this year’s festival. The feature film Ghoutehvar, directed by cleric and filmmaker Hojatoleslam Javad Hakami, competed in the main section and was nominated for the Crystal Simorgh award for Best First-Time Director.
In addition, the film Hasan Youssef, directed by Ali Gayeni, was screened out of competition.
One of the notable achievements for Qom artists was the awarding of the Crystal Simorgh for Best Documentary to filmmaker Zahra Najafzadeh.
Coordinated Efforts Behind the Festival
Ilanlou highlighted the coordinated efforts of more than 30 personnel involved in organizing the festival in Qom, including executive committees, security teams, media and publicity units, and cinema staff.
He also thanked provincial authorities, the Iranian Young Cinema Society’s Qom branch, the provincial cinema owners’ association, the Qom branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, and the provincial press house for their cooperation in ensuring the successful hosting of the festival.
Local media outlets were also praised for their extensive coverage of the event, which officials described as contributing to a vibrant cultural atmosphere in the city during the festival period.
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