Artists Call on Leader

 A group of artists, directors, screenwriters, poets, and writers met this evening with Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and discussed their views with him.

 A group of artists, directors, screenwriters, poets, and writers met this evening with Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and discussed their views with him.

Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei described the production of artistic works about the Sacred Defense as one of the best artistic endeavors and reiterated: "Artistic reflection of the characteristics of the Sacred Defense Era will undoubtedly produce the same effects as that great event."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the Sacred Defense was more than just an era in time and added: "The eight-year Sacred Defense was the embodiment of outstanding characteristics, prominent cultural values, and lofty beliefs, and those who recount it in an artistic manner are like a mirror reflecting the manifestation of splendor and glory."

Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated: "The eight-year Sacred Defense Era was the manifestation of spirituality, faith, idealism, selflessness, resistance, acumen, and blossoming of talents and capacities."

His Eminence added: "Those who narrate and reflect the realities of the Sacred Defense Era through artistic works, in fact, reflect these values. And every nation is proud of these values."

Ayatollah Khamenei said there has been progress in the production of literary and artistic works about the Sacred Defense Era and reiterated: "Artistic works concerning the Sacred Defense Era such as movies, books, anecdotes, and novels have been among the most popular artistic works after the Revolution. Therefore, it is suitable to make more efforts and invest more in this regard."

Ayatollah Khamenei described the inadequate international reflection of artistic works about the Sacred Defense Era as a shortcoming of international film festivals and stated: "Of course the policies of international festivals are against the values of the Islamic Revolution and the Sacred Defense Era. But these works are not solely made for these festivals."

Ayatollah Khamenei advised those who are active in the production of literary and artistic works about the Sacred Defense to do more research in this regard and preserve the documents.

He also advised the officials in charge of cultural and artistic affairs to make use of expert views in this regard.

At the end of this meeting, the participants said their evening prayers led by the Leader and broke their fast along with Ayatollah Khamenei.