Appointed by Raed Faridzadeh on 27 January 2025, Mohammadi visited the daily Iran newspaper last week, sharing her fresh vision for the museum with the cultural desk. She sees the Cinema Museum not merely as a guardian of cinematic heritage, but as a platform for intergenerational dialogue, cultural exchange, and a bridge between the public and the living history of Iranian cinema. Plans include digitising archives, building international partnerships, and creating more opportunities for public engagement.
“One of the museum’s core missions is to preserve and document Iran’s cinematic heritage,” Mohammadi said. “But our role is not limited to safeguarding the past. We aim to engage with the film community, foster dialogue with artists, promote education, expand international relations, and connect cinematic history with contemporary developments.”
Expanding Access and Engagement
Since taking office, Mohammadi has sought to redefine the museum’s public role, broadening access to its cultural and artistic resources. Her priorities include tributes to cinematic pioneers, enhanced interaction with film lovers, research collaborations, improved conservation practices, and better visitor access.
She envisions the museum as a hub for gatherings, conferences, and constructive exchange among filmmakers from different generations and perspectives. “Through screenings, retrospectives, and panel discussions, we can create a space where ideas are exchanged and divisions bridged,” she noted.
Connecting with the Public
Beyond its screening halls and exhibition spaces, Mohammadi wants the museum to bring audiences closer to the people behind Iran’s award-winning films. “Meeting the creators is often more powerful than seeing the works alone,” she explained. Plans include workshops, outdoor events, refreshed gallery spaces, and greater student involvement.
She also advocates partnerships with cultural and academic bodies to explore Iranian cinema from multiple angles—whether through historical retrospectives or debates on contemporary challenges.
Research, Media, and Resilience
Strengthening scholarly activity is a priority, with planned collaborations involving universities, research institutes, and professional associations. Regular seminars will revisit cinema history and analyse current trends with the participation of scholars, critics, and filmmakers.
With a background in media, Mohammadi emphasises ongoing engagement with journalists: “Media keeps the museum alive in the public consciousness and can also serve as our critic. Continuous dialogue with the press will be a constant policy.”
She also reflected on the museum’s role during the recent 12-day war. Despite the risks, the institution remained open, preserved its collections by relocating them to secure storage, and maintained a public programme. “Cinema and the museum can play an important role in strengthening national morale,” she said, citing plans to honour committed filmmakers, screen inspirational works, and host interactive cultural spaces.
Showcasing Iran to the World
Mohammadi believes the museum can act as “a showcase for Iran’s cultural identity” internationally. By producing multilingual content, hosting foreign cultural envoys, and using cultural diplomacy, she hopes to strengthen the museum’s global presence in line with the international reputation of Iranian cinema.
Reflecting on her visit to Iran newspaper, she praised its professionalism and the constructive dialogue it enabled: “This meeting confirmed for me that engagement with the media is an inseparable part of the Cinema Museum’s mission.”