The Irish filmmaker say: I was always fascinated by Iran culture and its battle against Colonialism

The 2nd Sobh Film Festival runs 19-21 May in different sections such as cinema, TV programs, motion graphic and other sections.  International filmmakers, producers and journalists are invited to participate in this festival.

Sean Murray, an Irish filmmaker, considering his familiarity with Iran through the media and the Press TV network, said: in his recent trip to Iran he got acquainted with several Iranian media. He said he was familiar with Iran through Press TV and astonished of Iran culture and how it fought against colonialism and imperialism and victory of Islamic revolution in 45 years ago.

Regarding the 2nd Sobh Film Festival and the presence of western media in this international festival, he said holding such festivals with presence of independent western media would be efficient.

He stated that the western media portray of Iran is a third world country. He believes the reality of Iran is different from what they show. He said what I saw during my trip to Iran was a beautiful and great country and it was not a strange image. He was studying about Iran culture for a long time, especially its ancient heritage and its conversion process to current Islamic culture which is fascinating to him. This is while western media try to portray Iran as a weak country and keep their people ignorant to this country.

The Irish filmmaker continued: to eliminate this impression and communicate western public opinion, the best way is to establish communication network and connect to independent western media.

Today by developing and blooming independent news sites we are experiencing new stage. Developing social and digital media providing suitable situation to communicate countries like Iran.

Holding festivals that can establish more communication with independent media which could be more effective.

About conferences to establish their relationship with independent media he said: in this path holding festivals to strengthen ties to independent media is more effective.

Emphasizing the issue that we are witnessing a lot of injustice in Palestine today, Murray added: The issue of Palestine is one of the most important issues of the world’s public opinion today, and the independent international and Iranian media could share their opinion on it. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a lot of injustice in Palestine, and in this regard, independent western media filmmakers share the same opinion with Iranian media, and it can provide the context for joint collaboration.

He added: Although due to Western sanctions, it is impossible to have much cooperation with the countries that have imposed sanctions against Iranian people, but considering the fields of cooperation that exist, strengthening relations with Western media can be very important for Iran.

Western media have always tried to portray Iran in trouble

Murry said: Westerners are years ahead of countries like Iran in the field of media. Working on a common idea between independent media in the West and Iran is very important in the quality and quantity of content production. However, I think you can promote your content by using media companies. Of course, the production of high-quality content and access to public opinion is not without problems, and there are obstacles, and financial obstacles are one of these problems.

He added: Western media have always tried to portray Iran in trouble. However, I think that from the very beginning, Iran has been very patient with what is happening.

This Irish filmmaker emphasized: Israel’s crimes and genocide in Gaza were associated with the reaction of the young American and British generation because it is common with British colonialism and what this country had done in Ireland. The elimination of the ideology of Zionism created and I think what Israel has done since October 11 has set a path with no return.

The 2nd international media festival “Sobh” will be held from May 19-21 under the direction of Mohsen Yazdi in three sections: “Main”, “Overseas Subsidiary” and “Palestine.