According to the Parvaz News Portal, quoting the Secretariat of the Parvaz International Film Festival, on Wednesday, January 22, the Australian Ambassador, Ian McConville, accompanied by a delegation of his deputies, visited the office of the Parvaz Film Festival. This visit was held to honor the selection and recognition of the animation “Bird Drone”, directed by young Australian filmmaker Radhya Jagathwa, at the sixth edition of the festival.
This animation, which had drawn particular attention from the festival’s jury members with disabilities, was the main focus of the meeting. During the visit, Fatane Amiri, Founder Director of Parvaz Festival, presented a report on the activities undertaken over more than three decades to educate and empower individuals with disabilities at both national and international levels. She also highlighted the festival’s achievements in portraying the challenges and abilities of people with disabilities, emphasizing its role in raising public awareness, creating shared cultural platforms, and encouraging the active participation of individuals with disabilities.
In the meeting, Maryam Rahimi and Mohammad Ali Jafar Beglou, jury members with disabilities, shared their opinions on the animation “Bird Drone” and its emotional and impactful messages. They praised the animation for its tangible depiction of loneliness and the need for empathy, deeming it deserving of its selection and recognition. Their heartfelt analyses and sentiments were met with admiration and appreciation from the ambassador and his delegation.
Following this, the festival’s commemorative stamp was signed by the Australian Ambassador and his deputy. An honorary plaque and the festival’s trophy for the Australian filmmaker were presented to the ambassador as a representative.
Additionally, a letter of appreciation was awarded to the ambassador in gratitude for his presence and interest in the festival’s activities.
In conclusion, the Australian Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the festival organizers for their efforts in supporting artists with disabilities and promoting cultural awareness. Both sides expressed hope that this meeting would pave the way for strengthening cultural and artistic collaborations between Iran and Australia in matters concerning individuals with disabilities.
Australian Ambassador Message:
Dear Ms Fatane Amiri and your wonderful team , we are very touched by you engagement on the important issues of people with disabilities and you positive impact on this for the Pooyandegan Pahne Parvaz Cultural Artistic Institute and the Parvaz International Film Festival and important contributions to this .
Australia Ambassador
Ian McConville
