The 14th Iranian international film market was organized by Farabi Cinema Foundation at the conference hall of Milad Tower this year. There were more than 155 participants from across the world including producers, distributors, sellers, buyers, film publishers, exhibitors, TV channels’ representatives, as well as directors or representatives of various film festivals. After thirteen years of interaction, many participants know one another and the older ones keep in touch even then Fajr Festival and market is over.
  The 14th Tehran International Market for Films and TV Programs was surrounded by controversies. It could have been held at a smaller place close to hotels where foreign guests were settled. However, some participants were happy about the market being close to the venue of film screening and press conferences. Iranian producers, directors and filmmakers were also present at the market and were good help to customers who wanted to know more about films.
  Some participants complained that there was no room for screening their films on the screen. They argued that if there were no theater for such screening, at least, big TV screens could be allocated to the purpose, so that, buyers could see films with more attention. However, since stands were small and the hall was overcrowded, this was practically impossible. Most participants were happy with the situation. Who are the main addressees of the market? Mr. Manfred Kritsch from Deutsche Welle, which has been a regular presence at the market since 2003 and has been following all Iranian new films, was one of them. Deutsche Welle was just there to present its productions to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). He noted that since his network produced documentaries, it has not been able to find any other customer but IRIB.
  Shirin Naderi as head of international business and marketing of Documentary and Experimental Film Center stand maintained that taking part in the film market was a very good experience. She added, “Our customers are not simply buyers of films. We deal with directors or representatives of the most famous foreign festivals for the screening of documentary films or first films produced by our directors. We negotiate with them about introduction and screening of such films in their festivals.” She added that taking part at the film market was very useful for marketing, selling products, and negotiating co-production of documentary or first films according to Documentary and Experimental Film Center’s (DEFC) policies. Naderi also believed that Tehran film market could be a successful event in view of its facilities. DEFC had brought 12 films to this year’s edition of Fajr Festival, which were also on the market. Another duty of DEFC was introduction of the creditable festival of documentary films or Cinema Verite, and encouraging participants to take part in it. The annual event is held by Documentary and Experimental Film Center. The stand entitled Iranian Youth Cinema Society was launching broad publicity on Tehran Short Film Festival whose 28th edition will be held in October 2011...

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