San Francisco hosts the first independent Iranian film festival outside of Iranian borders in September 2016. The 9th Annual Iranian Film Festival will present thirty-seven films from various countries in support of Iranian filmmakers. Join in the celebrations to support the outstanding efforts of Iranian filmmakers who are living and working around the world. The festival passes and tickets are now available.

The festival will include the following:

A Tribute to Noureddin Zarrinkelk: Noureddin Zarrinkelk is known as the 'father of animation cinema' in Iran. He studied animation at the Belgium Royal Academy of Fine Arts and founded the first School of Animation in Iran. There, he continued his work in animation and graphic arts for many years and was selected as the president of ASIFA (Association International du Film d'Animation) in 2003. He also played an integral role in founding the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) in Tehran.

Zarrinkelk will be there for the Q&A session after the screening of his films on Saturday, September, 24 at 5:30 p.m. Some of his work to be featured include Bani Adam, Mad Mad Mad World, One Two Three, Duty First, and Playground.

Remembering Abbas Kiarostami: Cinema lost Abbas Kiarostami this year, who was one of the most influential and controversial post-revolutionary Iranian filmmakers. His work as a director was also notable in the international film community. He made numerous films throughout his career, for which he received several awards.

In celebration of his career, the Iranian Film Festival will present one of his rare films to the audience. Tickets was made in Italy and was directed by two other inspiring filmmakers, Emanon Olli and Ken Loach. The film is scheduled for Sunday, September 25 at 7:45 pm.

Golshifteh Farahani: There will also be a showing of Golshifteh Farahani's latest film, Altamira, featuring Antonio Banderas. The film is set in the late nineteenth-century, Spain and based on an original tale. To view the screening of the film, be there on Saturday, September 24 at 7:45 pm.

Sepanta Award:In honor of 'the father of sound' in Iranian cinema, Abdoulhossein Sepanta, the 'Septanta Award' will be awarded to filmmakers in various categories at the festival this year.

Documentary & Animation Films: Other films which will be screened include Parviz Tanavoli, Shahrzaad's Tales, Atlan, Amoo Nowruz, The Last Tar, With these Hands, Poetry In Bronze, A Sweet Dream, and Reward.

Support independent Iranian filmmakers by sponsoring, advertising or other contributions. "We, Iranians, need to have a strong voice," and need to unite to represent the best talents any community can offer. This support can be in a variety of ways, for the Iranian community.

For further information go to www.IranianFilmFestival.org