Speakers compared the successes of the 2000s—considered by some as Iranian cinema’s most vibrant decade—with current conditions, questioning whether the industry is progressing or declining. Sadatian argued that without clear strategies, measurable benchmarks, or consistent policies, the sector remains at the mercy of changing administrations and subjective decisions.
Karampour urged politicians to keep political disputes outside cinema, recalling cases where films were first banned and later broadcast on state television. Norouzi warned of “development traps” and a culture of vested interests—both in public and private sectors—that benefit from keeping the industry underdeveloped.
Panelists also addressed audience trust, overreliance on formulaic comedies, outdated cinema infrastructure, the need for technology adoption—including AI filmmaking—and the lack of consumer rights protections. Proposals ranged from dynamic ticket pricing to establishing a cinema development fund. The Cinema Towards the Future series aims to critically assess challenges facing Iranian cinema and to foster dialogue on its future direction.