Iran Uses Cinema to Deepen Cultural Ties, Promote Islamic Heritage in Abuja

By Al-Amin Ciroma

The power of cinema to bridge cultures and create conversations across borders came into focus in Abuja as Iran’s Cultural Centre hosted an Iran Film Day aimed at promoting cultural exchange, Islamic heritage and closer ties between Nigeria and Iran.

The programme, held at Silverbird Cinema, brought together Islamic scholars, cultural figures, diplomats, government representatives and other invited guests for a combination of lectures, cultural engagement and a film screening centred on the life and history of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

THE NATIONAL LENS reports that the event organised by the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria, it presented cinema not merely as entertainment but as a vehicle for preserving history, communicating values and encouraging understanding between societies.

The Head of Iran’s Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Sayyed Hassan Heydar, described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate culture, faith and friendship among nations.

He also emphasised the relevance of the Prophet’s life as a model of peace, compassion, cooperation and resistance to injustice, themes which he said remain relevant to contemporary societies.

Beyond the screening itself, our correspondent, reports that the programme provided an avenue for participants to reflect on the role of cinema in preserving religious and cultural heritage, particularly at a time when visual storytelling is increasingly shaping how younger generations encounter history.

The Abuja gathering also underscored the potential of cultural diplomacy to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Iran beyond conventional government-to-government engagements.

Through film, dialogue and shared cultural experiences, both countries can create platforms for greater understanding among their peoples while opening opportunities for cooperation in the creative industries.

The event featured contributions from Islamic scholars and cultural personalities, including Dr Yusha’u Othman of the University of Abuja and Dr Abba Albashir, Managing Director of Nooral Haq News Agency.

The organisers said the programme ultimately provided a platform for discussions around Islamic heritage, unity and the capacity of cinema to transmit moral and historical values.

For Nigeria’s expanding creative industry, the initiative also highlights the possibilities that exist when cinema is deployed as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, bringing people together around shared histories and values.

The screening therefore served as more than a cinematic presentation. It offered a meeting point between faith, culture, diplomacy and the creative arts, while pointing to further opportunities for Nigeria and Iran to deepen cultural cooperation.