The first Van Iran Films Days kicked off Friday and will continue until Thursday with a number of cinematic offerings from Turkey’s eastern neighbor.

The event started with a movie titled “AAL,” which features one of Iran’s most prominent actors, Mostafa Zamani. The movie follows a young engineer that also works as a director who leaves his pregnant wife to take an assignment in Armenia. The couple’s happiness is quickly replaced by dark and unhappy days.

Speaking after the opening movie, Mayor Münir Karaoğlu said Turkish cinema was watching the recent developments in Iranian and Middle Eastern cinema very closely.

Noting that the Iranian cinema industry was among the most important cinema industries in the world, Karaoğlu said the country’s movies were followed everywhere.

“We think that it is possible the directors from both countries can work together and create new films,” he said, adding that the eastern province of Van was ready to serve in this capacity.

The event will host 14 feature-length movies from world-renowned Iranian directors. Speaking after the mayor, Zamani said he was very happy to be participate in the event.

Zamani played “Hazreti Yusuf,” or the Prophet Joseph, in one movie. “I am in Turkey right now, because of my part in ‘Hazreti Yusuf,’” said Zamani.

Although “Hazreti Yusuf” has already screened in 12 different countries, Zamani said: “Turkey has a special place among all the countries that the movie has screened in. Turkish society recognized me for my part in this movie.”

Van’s deputy governor, Murat Uzunparmak, said the event would also have a positive affect on trade relations between two countries.

“The Iran Film Days in Van will also open a news dimension for Van locals, as they will meet with the world of cinema. A total of 14 awarded Iranian movies will be screened at the Turkuaz Business Center until April 28,” said the state official.

Van municipality also aims to continue the event in Ian under the title of Turkish Film Days in Iran.

“With these events, we aim to increase the social and cultural communication between Iranian and Turkish audiences,” Karaloğlu said.

“Our aim is to make Van a city of culture and the arts,” said Uzunparmak, adding that Van municipality was also aiming to make their city an exemplary city in the world.

In addition to Karaloğlu and Zamani; Iran’s consul in Erzurum, Rıza Kılıçhan, and Ankara Consulate Culture Undersecretery Abolhassan Khalaj Monfared also attended the opening ceremony and celebrated the beginning of the cinema event.

The event is being organized by Van Municipality and the Iranian Embassy Culture Undersecreteriat.

Note : Van´ın böyle güzel organizasyonlara ev sahipliği yaptığını görmek çok güzel.

           Its good to see Van hosting such good events like this.