Members of Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Iran

Following frequent visits to Tehran by renowned American and international filmmakers in past years, now the Iranian capital city is playing host to members of Board of Governors of Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscar) who are here on the official invitation of the House of Cinema. During their stay, they will take part in a number of specialized seminars. The visitors include Sid Ganis (President of the Academy since 2005), Annette Bening (actress), William Horberg (producer), Frank Pierson (screenwriter), Phil Robinson (writer and director), James Longley (documentarian), Alfre Woodard (actress), Ellen Harrington (the Academy’s director of exhibitions and special events) and Tom Pollock (producer and chairman of Universal Pictures). During their stay in Iran, the delegates are to meet with Iranian filmmakers and deliver speeches on development of guild activities on Sunday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 3. Screenwriting, directing, acting, making documentaries, production, marketing and distribution are other topics to be discussed in those seminars. The visitors will also hold common sessions with boards of directors and officials of different cinema guilds and are expected to tour Film Museum of Iran and visit a cinema school. Sid Ganis and accompanying delegation set out for Iran just three days after Oscar ceremony and their presence in the country has been considered as one of the most important cultural developments in recent years. They will attend a number of specialized seminars as scheduled. Annette Bening and Alfre Woodard will take part in a seminar about acting on Sunday, March 1 followed by a seminar on writing and film directing to be attended by Frank Pierson and Phil Robinson; and a seminar on making documentaries to be attended by James Longley. On Tuesday, March 3, Sid Ganis, William Horberg, and Tom Pollock will take part in a seminar on film production, distribution, and marketing. Besides official gatherings, the American Oscar officials will also travel to Isfahan and Shiraz to tour historical sites of both cities.