Today, an Iranian film week kicked-off at the Ibn Rachik cultural center in downtown Tunis.

Screenings for the showcased films will continue until Sunday April 29, and were organized by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Preservation in collaboration with the cultural bureau of the Iranian Embassy.

A collection of sixteen movies is going to be screened during the event - including a number of award winning films. In previous years, the Iranian film industry has been well-received internationally. One example is the film A Separation, directed by Asghar Farhadi, which received critical acclaim - winning an Academy Award in February 2012.

The week will be devoted to maintaining and bridging cultural relations between Tunisia and Iran. The film week is intended to serve as an opportunity for cultural exchange, and to transcend linguistic barriers and cultural misconceptions.

The start of the event coincides with the diplomatic visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi to Tunisia.