The closing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Pakistan’s Minister of Culture, Aurang Zaib Khan Kehichi, highlighting cinema’s role as a powerful tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange.
From Friendship to Co-Production
• Rouhollah Hosseini, the festival’s secretary, underscored the importance of cultural synergy between Iran and Pakistan during his meeting with the Pakistani minister.
• He expressed hope that next year’s festival will host the first joint cinematic production between the two countries.
• Minister Kehichi described his presence in Shiraz as a symbol of fraternity, stressing that the high-level delegation from Pakistan aimed to send a clear message to the global community: Iran and Pakistan are two friendly and brotherly nations.
“Darolfonoun”: Iranian Cinema Experience for ECO Youth
The discussions also extended to professional training opportunities through the festival’s Darolfonoun section:
• Hosseini announced readiness to share Iran’s cinematic expertise by organizing intensive filmmaking workshops (two weeks to one month) for groups of 10–20 young Pakistani talents.
• He emphasized that such educational initiatives are the most practical pathway toward future joint productions.
Cinema as a Bridge for Peace and Civilization
The closing sessions reaffirmed cinema’s unique role for ECO member states: strengthening cultural ties, promoting peace, and showcasing the region’s deep civilizational heritage to the world.