Hamidreza Modaqeq, a journalist, presenter and film critic, pointed out the role of media trends in censoring the crimes of the occupied territories and emphasized: The International Resistance Film Festival can be effective as a counterpoint to the media and domineering cinema, with careful planning and targeted content.
In an interview with the public relations of the 18th International Resistance Film Festival, this film critic stated: This festival, which initially started as the Sacred Defense Film Festival, is one of the old thematic festivals in Iran that focuses on the concepts of resistance and related works.

Modaqeq considered the Resistance Film Festival, along with festivals such as documentary films, to be among the specialized and lasting festivals of Iranian cinema and said: This festival, despite numerous challenges and changes, has been able to maintain its position as a specialized event in the field of cinema.
He added: “Utilizing past experiences in selecting works, inviting domestic and foreign artists, paying attention to current issues of the resistance, and holding specialized meetings and workshops are among the factors that can contribute to the quality and effectiveness of this festival.”

Emphasizing the need for a coherent and dynamic secretariat for the Resistance Festival, the journalist stated: “The screening and review of works related to the resistance front must be done carefully and purposefully so that the festival can achieve its goals and become an influential cultural movement.”

Referring to the censorship of news and events in the occupied territories by some filmmakers and media, Moddaq said: “There are trends that distort or censor the events of Palestine. The Resistance Film Festival can play an effective role in confronting these trends by presenting different content and presenting the facts.”

He also considered the use of media capacities such as television, digital and online media essential to promote the festival, adding: The Resistance Festival must utilize new cinematic technologies to be trend-setting and effective.

The auditor called the holding of the previous edition of this festival in the Persian Gulf a creative move and noted: “Holding cultural events outside Tehran is an opportunity for the provinces and different regions of the country to benefit from cultural capacities. The Resistance Festival in the Persian Gulf and the three islands is a symbol of paying attention to these capacities.”

It is worth noting that the 18th International Resistance Film Festival with the slogan “Resistance Discourse, Storm of Al-Aqsa, Freedom of Holy Quds” will be held in March of this year with the support of the Revolutionary Cinema and Sacred Defense Association and the Narrative of Victory Cultural Foundation in the Persian Gulf region.