AI takes center stage at 18th Resistance International Film Festival in Iran
Introduction of AI in filmmaking is transforming Iran’s cinematic landscape, connecting art with its revolutionary past
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – The 18th Resistance International Film Festival in Iran’s capital, Tehran, marked a historic milestone with the debut of artificial intelligence (AI) in cinematic productions.
For the first time, the festival featured a dedicated section for AI, spotlighting its growing role in cinematic innovation.
The festival has long been a platform for films and documentaries focused on resistance narratives, and this year, it showcased how AI could enhance such productions.
Festival assistant secretary Mohammad Ali Shojaei Fard highlighted the significance of overcoming sanctions and developing local infrastructure to fully harness AI’s potential in filmmaking.
He noted that AI presents a transformative opportunity for resistance-themed cinema, which often centers on themes of justice, freedom, and opposition to oppression.
Fard predicted that AI would soon play a pivotal role in producing full-length feature films.
However, he stressed the need for robust technical infrastructure and government support to address current challenges.
To leverage AI effectively, Fard outlined two critical steps: first, developing technical infrastructure by authorities, and second, localizing the technology by professionals to reduce reliance on foreign tools.
He described AI as a strategic asset in the realm of soft warfare, which can amplify the impact of resistance-themed media.
Organized by the Association of the Revolution and Sacred Defense Cinema and the Revayat Foundation, the Resistance International Film Festival is an important platform for promoting resistance cinema.
The festival’s inclusion of AI underscores the intersection of technology and art, with AI now seen as a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural expression.
This year’s festival embraced AI as a means to inspire innovation in resistance cinema and tackle global challenges through localized solutions.