The Light
When you think of foreign film festivals, the first name that usually crosses
your mind is Cannes--. However, don’t say that to Siamak Ghahremani.
It is his intention that his Noor Film Festival be mentioned among similar,
well-known galas. Ghahremani’s focus is to preach the message of tolerance
towards Middle Easterners. “The purpose is to motivate young Iranians,
among others, to get involved with film and media so that people everywhere
can view the good side of Iranians,” reveals Ghahremani.
Spearheading the project with good friend and actor Anthony Azizi, Ghahremani plans a gala in February 2007 to help aspiring filmmakers gain recognition for their talents. Although anyone can submit their production, there are some requirements: films can be in any language but must contain English sub-titles, and need to run 6-35 minutes. “This makes it easy for anyone who has a video camera to be involved,” states Ghahremani.
As a bastion of tolerance, Ghahremani sees this as an opportunity to shape the way Iranians are viewed. “Non-Iranians look at Iran as an ‘axis of evil,’” Gharemani laments. “We’re struggling to change that perception."
It is with Noor
that Ghahremani seeks to shine that light.
-Nima Ghazai
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