Unveiling of a Saddam Hussein lookalike at the Fajr Film Festival

Critics and supporters alike had mixed reactions to the stunt. Some hailed it as a courageous artistic endeavor that dared to confront the ghosts of the past, while others deemed it distasteful and insensitive, especially for those who lived through the Iran-Iraq War. The dichotomy of responses underscored the complexities of dealing with historical narratives, where the past is often a battleground of competing truths and emotional pain. The festival provided a vital platform for these discussions, showcasing the power of cinema as a medium for exploring difficult themes.