A major step in Iran-Tajikistan cultural diplomacy has been recently marked, as the joint Iranian-Tajikistani film The Fish on the Hook (Mohi dar Shast) held its official premiere and private screening at the International Conference Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran.
The event highlighted the growing creative partnership between the two countries through cinematic cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.
The screening was attended by several distinguished guests, including Peyman Jebelli, head of IRIB, Nizomiddin Zohidi, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Iran, and members of the film’s cast and crew from both nations. The evening underscored the shared cultural heritage and mutual aspirations for continued collaboration.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zohidi recited a verse by the revered Persian poet Rudaki, paying tribute to the historical, cultural, and religious bonds linking Iran and Tajikistan. “Today is a gathering of friendship and affection between Tajikistan and Iran,” he said. “Our cultural and linguistic ties are the foundation for strengthening bilateral relations. I hope projects like this film will continue to bring our nations closer together.”
Echoing this sentiment, IRIB chief Jebelli spoke of the enduring cultural connection between the two countries, despite their geographic distance. “Iran and Tajikistan are united by centuries of common history and culture. We are proud to have co-produced two joint projects this year: the television series Capital and the film The Fish on the Hook,” he stated.
Jebelli emphasized the importance of behind-the-scenes collaboration between Iranian and Tajik production teams, calling it a model for future co-productions. “These partnerships are paving the way for more creative ventures that reflect our shared values and experiences,” he added.
Directed by Muhiddin Muzaffar, The Fish on the Hook tells the poignant story of Daler, a 10-year-old boarding school student who embarks on an emotional journey with Samad, a gambler, to find his estranged mother, Khursheda. Along the way, Daler confronts challenges that shape his understanding of life, ultimately forcing him to make a critical, life-changing decision upon their reunion.
Speaking at the premiere, Iranian producer Amir Tajik noted that the film was made at a fraction of the cost of a typical Iranian feature, emphasizing the economic and creative potential of cross-border cinematic collaborations.
The film was produced by Dovfilm, in association with Iranian television companies iFilm and 30Cup, and Tajikistan’s national film studio Tajikfilm. The project was originally conceived in 2022, inspired by discussions with a boarding school director in Buston, Tajikistan. The screenplay was written by Bakhtiyor Karimov, and later refined through a workshop led by director Valery Akhadov, with additional contributions from Muzaffar.
As both nations seek to strengthen ties through culture and the arts, The Fish on the Hook stands as a powerful example of how storytelling can transcend borders, foster mutual understanding, and unite communities through shared values and narratives.
