The 6th Parvaz International Film Festival concluded with great success at Azadi Tower, welcomed warmly by the director of the Azadi Cultural and Artistic Complex and attended enthusiastically by artists and admirers. At the ceremony’s opening, Dr. Seyed Mohsen Hosseini, Director of the Azadi Cultural and Artistic Complex, greeted the audience and emphasized the pivotal role of culture and art in supporting individuals with disabilities.
Mehrdad Soleimani, the festival’s secretary, delivered a brief report highlighting the achievements and challenges of the 6th edition. He noted the remarkable reception of works focusing on the abilities of people with disabilities, stating: “This festival is not just a platform for showcasing artistic creations but also a medium for promoting a culture of acceptance and humanity.”
Following him, Dr. Fataneh Amiri, the festival’s Founder President and CEO of the Pooyandegan Pahneh Parvaz Cultural and Artistic Institute, spoke about the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities. She criticized the lack of cooperation from organizations claiming to represent this community.
Amiri stressed the need to shift society’s perspective towards people with disabilities, saying:
“Unfortunately, a society crippled by cultural and social deficiencies has turned a blind eye to the needs and rights of people with disabilities. This neglect has compelled these individuals to not only confront challenges arising from their disabilities but also fight for their most basic rights. Society should feel ashamed for placing them in an unfair struggle for their human rights instead of providing support and creating proper opportunities.”
She continued:
“The Parvaz International Film Festival, like the disabled community, has faced neglect and indifference. Today, as we successfully conclude the sixth edition of this festival by God’s grace, we received no support from the public, individuals, or institutions. Without the help of Dr. Mohsen Hosseini, Azadi Tower management, Mrs. Mona Talashan, and the dedicated, kind team of this complex, organizing the festival would not have been possible.”
Amiri added:
“Not only were we unsupported, but we were threatened, humiliated, punished, and mocked. I try not to forget the faces of those who sat before me and sneered, questioning why we continue amidst such challenges. Their scorn motivates me to persist. To them, I say: you need to witness the pleading eyes of mothers with disabled children or feel the trembling hands of a father who has become helpless to understand why this path must continue—not just by us, but by everyone.”
A special segment of the ceremony celebrated International Event “Miss World with Disability”successful girls, whose inspiring achievements added a unique brilliance to the festival. The global event message, “Miss World with Disability “, was read by Saba Norouzi, the winner of the first edition of this event. Judges for the evaluation of the 29 nominees included Ms. Zohreh Etezadolsaltaneh, Dr. Elahe Shia, Dr. Fatemeh Nirooyi, and Mr. Navid Farid, who also read the jury statement. The exceptional applause of the audience for the three winners—Saba Norouzi (with a physical disability), Nazanin Abolvardi (deafblind), and Yeganeh Hosseini (with Down syndrome)—as the “Goddesses of Inspiration” was one of the most impactful moments of the closing ceremony.
“Miss Iran with Disability”, Saba Norouzi”
“Miss India with Disability”, “Nirupama Pani”
“Miss Pakistan with Disability”, “Hina Arshed”
“Miss Egypt with Disability”, “Basmala Mohamed Fakhry”
“Miss Bangladesh with Disability”, “Rayhana Rayza Haque”
“Miss Malaysia with Disability”, Nur Ashikeen Iqbal”
Finally, the winners of the 6th Parvaz International Film Festival were announced and honored.
The closing ceremony of the 6th Parvaz International Film Festival, organized by the Pooyandegan Pahneh Parvaz Cultural and Artistic Institute in cooperation with the Rudaki Foundation, was held on December 13, 2024, at the Azadi Cultural and Artistic Complex under the direction of Mehrdad Soleimani. Once again, it elevated art and culture to soar towards empowerment and
