The unveiling ceremony of the poster for the Third International “Arbaeen Narrative” Festival was held at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences with the presence of Dr. Alireza Zali, University President; Hojjat al-Islam Ali Khedavi, Head of the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative at the University; and board members.
According to the festival’s Communications and Public Relations Office, Hojjat al-Islam Khedavi emphasized in his speech that the Arbaeen pilgrimage today serves as a medium of communication and a symbol of geopolitical power, noting that its accurate reflection in the media provides a new opportunity for the Islamic world and the Revolution. He highlighted the remarkable growth in youth participation from different countries and faiths in this unique global march, describing it as an opportunity for “Jihad of Clarification” to promote lessons of sacrifice, resistance, service, solidarity, and unity.
Khedavi stressed that this year’s festival differs from previous ones, recalling that last year 1,450 works were submitted from Islamic countries, of which 514 were judged and 37 winners were awarded. Based on jury recommendations, changes have been made to the regulations and sections of the festival. He also underlined that this edition places special focus on Palestine and Gaza, with the slogan “Karbala, the Path to al-Aqsa” chosen in line with the Arbaeen march slogan of the year.
He announced the introduction of a new section on artistic innovations and the use of artificial intelligence in artistic and media productions, encouraging students to leave distinguished creative legacies. He further appreciated the support of Hamrah Aval (Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran) for its social responsibility efforts in last year’s campaign, including the free distribution of three million SMS messages, and acknowledged the invaluable role of national and international media outlets.
Khedavi added that the active presence of social media influencers and “human media” narrators is one of the innovative features of this year’s campaign, which will certainly enhance youth participation and the overall quality of works.
In his remarks, Dr. Zali described the festival as an innovative and artistic initiative that creates a platform for documenting the social, political, and religious dimensions of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. He emphasized that documentation is no less important than holding the ceremonies themselves, urging that the culture of Arbaeen should be presented through art, just as it has been preserved historically through poetry and oral traditions.
He further noted that along the route from Najaf to Karbala, there are 1,452 pillars, each of which can serve as a station for visual storytelling and memory-making, and stressed that this festival seeks to showcase the essence of Arbaeen culture through artistic creativity.
It was announced that interested students may submit their works by the end of October 2024 via the official website www.revayatarbaeen.ir. The submissions will enter the judging stage in November, and the final winners will be honored in the closing ceremony in December.
