KARACHI, Feb 2: It is a bit peculiar that in the years after the last Shah of Iran was booted from power in 1979 and the Islamic Revolution was ushered in under the theory of Vilayat-i-Fakih (guardianship of the jurist), Iranian art films became the toast of world cinema.

Perhaps to illustrate this point, the Khana-i-Farhang – the Iranian Cultural Centre in Karachi – has organized an Iranian Film Festival to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the revolution, which kicked off on Saturday, Feb 2, with a ceremony at the Karachi Arts Council’s theatre.

The reasons for the peculiarity is that under the Shah’s rule, Iran had a very ‘liberal’ atmosphere, whereas after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini assumed leadership of the nation, much more conservative and austere vibes began emanating from Tehran.

“Iranian cinema has experienced remarkable changes after the revolution. In the Shah’s time, most films lacked art and valuable ideals. Most films followed the trend prevalent in the Third World countries, which was to imitate western cinema and follow their ideals. Film-makers were interested only in minting money. Those film-makers who did not toe the Shah’s line were harassed,” said Masood Mohammad-Zamani, Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi. The Iranian diplomat was the chief guest at the occasion.

“Today, there is no disrespect to women in Iranian films. Iranian film-makers produce ethical films with Islamic values, which is why our films have won awards globally,” he observed, referring to the current Iranian censorship policy of banning the inclusion of sex and violence on screen.

“The revolution was not just for Iran, but for all Muslims. We are currently under the cultural attack of the West. Western films are promoting negative trends within our societies. However, the Islamic Revolution is playing its part on the cultural front. We should use films to promote cultural values with an Islamic ethos,” said Mr Mohammad-Zamani.

Ms Ambar Raza Nancy, the provincial Minster for Culture, Tourism and Sports, who presided over the occasion, echoed the Iranian CG’s comments saying that “though borders divide us, faith binds us. That is why the Iranian revolution was actually an Islamic revolution. We must reflect our peaceful values through our art.” The minister also expressed the hope that Pakistan and Iran would continue to work together and share each others’ culture.

Prof Dr Mohammad Mehdi Tavassoli, Director of the Khana-i-Farhang, Karachi, presented the vote of thanks.

The programme was preceded by a stirring rendition of the Holy Qur’an by an Iranian qari, Agha Rizvi-Nijad.

After the formal launch of the festival, the 2006-produced Iranian film Mim Mesle Madar (M for Mother) was screened. Directed by the late Rasool Mulla Qulipour, the film has been nominated for an Academy Award in the ‘best foreign language film’ category and deals with the plight of a sick child, whose mother inhaled chemical gas during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, and his parents’ subsequent tribulations.

Films will be screened daily at the Arts Council’s Manzar Akbar Hall till Feb 6, while entry is free.