According to the public relations report of the 18th International Resistance Film Festival, Mohammad Reza Sharaf al-Din, former CEO of the Sacred Defense Cinema Association and film producer, emphasized the importance of the Resistance Film Festival, saying: “The existence and establishment of this festival are software requirements of our resistance position. Today, we are at the forefront of the global resistance and the enemies are taking action against us with military, media and propaganda weapons. Although we are not on par with them in many of these areas, our divine power and true beliefs are superior.”

Referring to the role of art in the resistance movement, he added: “History has shown that a few have overcome the enemies due to their faith and pure intentions. We will also be victorious by relying on the truth. Even if the enemies have thousands of media outlets such as the BBC and the International, the word “resistance” is enough for people to accept its truth.”

Sharafuddin considered resistance an innate thought and stated: “The concept of resistance is standing up to oppression and tyranny; an issue that every honorable and healthy human being accepts. To spread this thought, we must use powerful tools such as cinema and virtual media. Festivals, as gathering places for intellectuals, also play a key role in this process.”

He also called for attention to the quality of the festival and staying away from the margins, saying: “We must hold the festival in a low-cost but high-quality manner. Producing works and films should be a priority for this festival so that it can properly support and encourage the artists of the Sacred Defense.”

Sharafuddin stated about holding the festival in the Persian Gulf region: “These regions are of particular importance due to the challenges of resistance and defense. The presence of filmmakers in these regions will bring new ideas. Holding workshops and lectures with precise architecture can enhance the contribution of resistance.”

He also emphasized the need to link the economic capacities of the Persian Gulf with the festival, saying: “It is very important to introduce the Iranian resistance in this region and explain the role of the army and the IRGC. Filmmakers must define their place in this defense system and take advantage of the existing capacities.” He finally expressed his hope that this edition of the festival will be held successfully and that the audits and awards will be conducted properly, so as to encourage more filmmakers.