As a source of high income with low emissions, tourism has always been an attractive market for countries that have tried to enter this lucrative industry with their facilities and potential even the smallest.

Due to its natural and historical characteristics, Iran could be one of the top tourist destinations, however, for this to happen, the country must show its real potential and show its charm.

To be a part of this vast industry, every country in the world strives to represent itself in the best possible way, and film production is one of the most effective methods of achieving this.

Film and television productions can have a profound impact on the thoughts and feelings of potential travelers when deciding where to go on vacation or when visiting a destination.

Through films, documentaries, TV shows and commercials, people are inspired to visit the places seen in the projected content, to discover new destinations.

Despite being one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism industry, film tourism seems to be neglected in Iran.

Around the world, film tourism exists as a means of illustrating the tourism potential, heritage, culture and anthropology of each nation, Iranian documentary filmmaker Peyman Zandi told The Tehran Times last week.

This is an emerging tourism niche focused on attracting tourists in a clear and distinctive way using media that is easy for everyone to understand, he explained.

“As we all know, films made in this regard are generally excellent because they harness the potential of tourism and the seventh art (cinema), which ultimately embraces other art forms.”

As the world of media and social networking expands, the attention paid to making such films can be one of the most important ways to understand Iran and its cultural diversity as well as its tourism around the world. , he explained.

“Using indirect advertising through films and documentaries, people all over the world are discovering a safe and beautiful Iran and are starting to think about their travel plans in the country. “

“From personal experience, I can say that when audiences see my works at film festivals around the world, regardless of the quality of the film, they are mesmerized by the beauty and wonders of Iran and aspire to visiting the country is the effect of this medium, ”said Zandi, who has received 12 international awards for his documentaries on Iranian tourism.

Although he has been the sole producer and director due to lack of attention, he believes that if the importance of making such films is understood, the industry will flourish.

“In tourism, everything is connected, which means that every positive event brings positive feedback for everyone, so the public and private sectors must pay attention to this sector. “

Organizer of tourism events, who holds a national tourism medal for his efforts, Zandi believes that to attract investment and support, film tourism needs more promotion.

Her 2019 documentary, “Dance of Life,” has been screened at various events nationally and internationally, winning multiple awards.

The film which deals with local water rituals across the country has been acclaimed and well received by critics and audiences alike.

“Today, thanks to advancements in technology, there are many products that feature tourism content, however, a lack of artistic perspective can quickly reduce these products to clichés, with repetitive messages rotting the topic and not prompting. not tourists to travel, ”he noted. .

“While it may sound easy, it’s not that simple,” he concluded.

Photo: A scene from “Dance of Life” by Iranian documentary filmmaker Peyman Zandi

ABU / AFM