The 20th Tehran-Mobarak International Puppet Theater Festival commenced on the evening of Monday, December 16, 2024, at Ab-o-Atash Park.

According to the public relations of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourist Area, the opening ceremony of the festival was attended by Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, CEO of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourist Area; Nader Rezaei, Deputy Minister of Artistic Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; Etabak Naderi, Director General of Performing Arts; the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan; and numerous artists from the theater and performing arts community.

During the opening ceremony, Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi thanked the people who warmed Ab-o-Atash Park with their presence during the cold days of late autumn. He expressed his hope that the opening ceremony of the puppet theater festival would mark the beginning of good events in the new government.

He also highlighted that the participation of countries in the puppet theater festival, including the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan and his spouse, would facilitate the exchange of culture and art to enhance the quality of performing arts.

Hejazi mentioned that the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourist Area is always open to cultural and artistic activities, providing a space to bring joy to the people.

Nader Rezaei, Deputy Minister of Artistic Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, spoke to reporters during the festival. He noted that the festival's opening, with the slogan "The White Dream of Friendship," was set in a Yalda night atmosphere full of pomegranates and Yalda elements derived from our ancient heritage, aimed at promoting friendship, peace, purity, and light.

Rezaei added that this festival, from the 11th to the 20th edition, draws from our ancient performing arts heritage, notably "Mubarak." The festival includes various sections such as outdoor stage performances, inclusive theater, and international theater with groups from France, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as playwriting workshops and discussion rooms. Additionally, a new section featuring 100-second videos has been organized, with an emphasis on the inclusivity and security of the digital space and catering to the tastes and perspectives of the younger generation.

Rezaei also addressed the possibility of returning the festival to the summer season, stating that the current cold and polluted weather conditions make it challenging to ensure the presence of people, families, and children. Therefore, efforts are being made to hold the festival in a more suitable season.

The 20th Tehran-Mobarak International Puppet Theater Festival, under the slogan "The White Dream of Friendship," will continue in Tehran until December 23, 2024.