A Hiroshima peace group visited Kharg Island, Iran, to promote cultural exchange during their attendance at the Fajr International Film Festival. They engaged with local officials and veterans, while also screening a collaborative film. This reciprocal visit follows previous invitations extended by the group to Iranian victims of chemical weapons in Japan, fostering dialogue and understanding about wartime tragedies.
A peace group from Hiroshima visited Kharg Island, Iran, after receiving a warm invitation from the island’s residents and authorities. Their visit coincided with their attendance at the Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran, where they explored the cultural exchange between Japan and Iran, including a screening of the film “The Miracle of the Bonasan,” which was collaboratively produced by both nations.
Their itinerary encompassed visiting various historical and religious sites on the island, engaging in discussions with local officials, and touring a nearby petrochemical company. The group included veterans wounded during the Iran-Iraq war and prominent actors like Reza Kianian, highlighting the significance of shared experiences in promoting peace.
This trip served as a reciprocal exchange, as the Hiroshima peace group has previously hosted Iranian victims of chemical warfare in Japan, thereby raising awareness about the tragic human consequences of war. The collaboration aims to foster international empathy and understanding of historical atrocities faced by different countries.
The Iranian secretary of the Fajr International Film Festival is actor Parviz Parastooei, who supports the initiative of cultural dialogue between nations affected by conflict. Such interactions contribute to a broader understanding of peace and reconciliation efforts in the global context.
The visit highlights a continuous effort to bridge cultural divides through shared experiences and mutual understanding between Japan and Iran. The peace group from Hiroshima has established a history of inviting Iranian victims of chemical warfare to Japan, illustrating the impact of war on human lives and the importance of recognizing and remembering these tragedies. Both countries experienced severe wartime atrocities — the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the chemical warfare inflicted upon Iranian civilians during the Iran-Iraq War. Establishing connections through cultural events like film festivals enhances awareness of these events and promotes dialogue about peace and healing.
The visit of the Hiroshima peace group to Kharg Island underscores the power of cultural exchange in fostering international understanding. By connecting the historical tragedies of both nations, the initiative creates an opportunity for reconciliation and promotes peace. Continued collaboration and dialogue between Japan and Iran can lead to greater awareness of shared histories and the effects of warfare on humanity.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
