Iran’s cinema is actively taking part in the 2020 special edition of the Cannes Film Festival’s market, which is being held online this year due to a coronavirus pandemic.
The Cannes’ Marché du Film — the largest film market in the world — was launched online on Monday and will last until June 26 to support professionals in the global film industry.
For their part, major Iranian film production, distribution and promotion institutes such as Farabi Cinema Foundation, the Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC) and Fajr International Film Festival are participating in the online forum.
Seven other film distribution companies are also taking part in the virtual event, most notably Eli Image, Persia Film Distribution and IRIMAGE.
Iran’s DEFC showcased its documentary, animated and experimental pictures. The organization — one of the best of its kind in the Middle East — is actively involved in co-production projects with international producers and TV channels.
In addition, the event welcomed latest international documentary submissions to “Cinema Vérité,” a documentary film festival that aims to express the relationship between reality and truth through documentary films.
The Marché du Film — the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival — was established in 1959. It is held annually in conjunction with the prestigious film festival.
It serves as a major meeting place for film industry professionals, where they can view, buy and sell films from around the world. The forum is also the prime location to find out about the recent developments and innovations within the rapidly-changing field.
According to the event’s official website, the special 2020 version will take place from 22 to 26 June, bringing together over 8,500 participants for a total of 250 stands and 60 pavilions.
Over 1,200 online screenings will run for the participants, and the rights to 2,300 feature films will be available for purchase there.