TEHRAN – The opening of the 18th International Resistance Film Festival will take place on May 17 and conclude on May 24, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr in 1982 from the occupation of Iraqi forces under the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The festival’s secretary Jalal Ghaffari said the date represents the intersection of resistance cinema with one of the most important periods in contemporary Iranian history.
The festival, he said, is not just a venue for showcasing cinematic works but also a platform for narrating the steadfastness of the Iranian people through the seventh art.
“May 24 is not merely a date on the calendar; it symbolizes the breaking of siege, overcoming obstacles, and achieving victory,” he said.
The selection of the day for the festival’s closing emphasizes that the resistance cinema can overcome the siege of censorship and dominant media narratives, bringing the voice of truth to the ears of the world, he added.
Ghaffari asserted the importance of the event’s international dimension, stating that the resistance cinema reflects the ideals of freedom and anti-imperialism, not only within the country but on a global scale. 
Over the years, the festival has established its position among committed and concerned filmmakers and has provided a platform for interaction and synergy among resistance artists worldwide.
This year’s festival aims to transcend geographical boundaries in the resistance cinema, offering a fresh perspective and transforming it into a powerful tool for cultural and media diplomacy, Ghaffari said.
He said the International Resistance Film Festival will be held annually, having become one of the most important cinematic events in the region for resistance and justice-seeking in recent years.
This year’s edition, with a broader approach and a deeper insight into regional and global developments, aims to convey the message of resistance, justice, and the pursuit of truth to the world through cinema, he added.