Late Edition - VOA



Late Edition May 23, 2008 highlighted the Tiburon International Film Festival and interviewed the festival’s Founder and Executive Director, Saeed Shafa. Born in Iran, Mr. Shafa moved to the United States more than three decades ago to study film. He has been actively writing film criticism and articles on world cinema ever since. The Festival, located in the San Francisco area, is called the “Hollywood of the North” and has become known as a prestigious venue for independent filmmakers in its short history.

Mr. Shafa believes film festivals were created as a platform for filmmakers to present their work which may not otherwise be recognized. “I’m here to promote global cinema and to support independent filmmakers,” he said. The 2008 Festival screened 225 films from 92 countries such as Brazil, France, Hungary, Japan, China and Iran. He said, “The Tiburon Festival seeks to provide a greater understanding of the world and its many cultures through the artistic medium of film, and through top quality films from around the world."