Every year the grand pilgrimage of Imam Hussein’s Arbaeen in Iraq and the martyrdom of Imam Reza (PBUH) in Iran inspire glorious peaceful gatherings and demonstrations by devout followers of Ahlebait, which reveal the true face of Islam in the face of relentless propaganda and blatant disregard for these historic events by the global mainstream media. This clearly highlights the sheer responsibility of sincere artists and seekers of justice and righteousness to commemorate these events and reflect their allegiance in their art.
For this purpose, the first international photo and film festival of “the Journey of Love” pays tribute to photographers and filmmakers from around the world to exhibit their works and add to the richness of these historic events.
Festival themes:
A) Elucidating the political, religious, social and epic dimensions of the Arbaeen pilgrimage and the martyrdom of Imam Reza (PBUH), highlighting the following:
• The followers of Abrahamic religions in the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
• The effects of Arbaeen pilgrimage on promoting the message of Ashura and Imam Hussain (pbuh)
• The educational significance of Arbaeen pilgrimage for children and families.
• Promoting the culture of sacrifice and humility in service to the pilgrims of Ahlebait.
• A historical view of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
• Internalizing the values of the Arbaeen pilgrimage away from deviation and superstition.
• The presence of women and children exemplifying the virtues of Lady Zeinab (PBUH).
• The significance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage towards a global society with Mahdaviat.
• Global oppressive forces and terrorists in fear of the Arbaeen pilgrimage and what it represents.
• The importance of an informed public to the values of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
B) Presenting and promoting the culture of Ashura from the following perspectives:
• Presenting the character of Imam Hussain and his followers.
• A historical study of the epic of Ashura.
• Haj and the rise of Imam Hussain
• Prayer and the rise of Imam Hussain.
• Presenting role models and life style based on the teachings of Imam Hussain and his followers.
• Enjoining good and preventing vice by Imam Hussain.
• The role of the defenders of the shrine of Ahlebait in preserving the Islamic culture.
Short, semi-long and full-length feature films:
In this section the festival jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best film
• Diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best film.
Short, semi-long (of at most 50 minutes running time) and full-length documentaries (longer than 50 minutes):
In this section the festival jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best full-length documentary.
• Diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best Full-length documentary.
• A diploma of honor cash prize for the third best full-length documentary.
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best short and semi-long documentary.
• Diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best short and semi-long documentary.
• A certificate of acknowledgment and cash prize for the third best short and semi-long documentary.
• Festival trophy, diploma of honor and cash prize for the best research.
Video clips:
In this section the festival jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best video clip.
• Diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best video clip.
Animation:
In this section the festival jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best animation.
• Diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best animation.
Important note: In each section, the festival jury will decide to present the awards to the directors or the producers of the selected film.
Screenplay section:
Every short and long screenplay in line with festival themes can participate in this section.
Long screenplay:
Feature film screenplay summaries (5 to 7 pages) can participate in this section.
The jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best screenplay.
Short screenplay
The jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best short screenplay.
Photography section
All photographs displaying the Arbaeen pilgrimage and the martyrdom of Imam Reza (PBUH) are accepted in this section.
Professional:
The jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best photograph.
• Festival memorial, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the second best photograph.
Amateur:
The jury will present the awards in the following manner:
• Festival trophy, a diploma of honor and cash prize for the best photograph.