The Intersection of Cinema, University, and Publishing Helps Cultural Growth of Audiences and Strengthens the Market for Specialized Books

According to the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), Ashkan Mohammadi, director of Raybod Publishing, considered participation in university programs as part of the professional path of this publisher in supporting new and creative movements in the fields of art and thought, and said: Raybod is a publisher with an innovative approach; our focus is on contemporary world literature and cinema, and we strive to be a bridge between new artistic movements and young audiences. For this reason, university events that carry creative ideas and bold perspectives are of special importance to us.

He added: Raybod Publishing always considers student festivals and conferences to be valuable opportunities for discovering new talents, exchanging interdisciplinary perspectives, and strengthening intellectual movements within the university environment. Universities are not only places for knowledge production but also platforms for the growth of new narratives in art and literature; narratives that can shape the future cultural path of the country.

Mohammadi said: Emphasizing this approach, Raybod Publishing considers its presence in student festivals and specialized meetings as part of its cultural mission and announces that it will continue to support programs that offer a new perspective on literature, cinema, and interdisciplinary studies.

Nasrin Kiaei, public relations manager of Raybod Publishing, also spoke about this presence: The cultural atmosphere of the Nahal Student Festival is a suitable opportunity for direct communication with audiences interested in cinema and literature. Fortunately, since the booth was set up, the reception of cinematic titles has been remarkable, and audiences are engaging in interactive discussions about the books offered.

This book expert continued: Visitors have evaluated the presence of publishers like Raybod Publishing at the Nahal Film Festival as beneficial and consider acquiring specialized cinema books in such an environment to be a valuable experience.

Kiaei added: Raybod Publishing’s presence at the Nahal Festival showed that the intersection of cinema, university, and publishing can contribute to the cultural growth of audiences and strengthen the market for specialized books. The Raybod booth will welcome visitors until the end of the festival on November 20th, providing an opportunity to purchase books and engage in discussions with publishing experts.

This book activist explained about the cinematic works presented at the Nahal Festival: ‘The Mikado’s Ethics’ (an essay on the cinema of Michael Haneke), ‘Virtual Night’ (a collection of articles on cinema), ‘Once Upon a Time in Anatolia’ (including the complete film script and daily notes by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, the director), ‘Winter Sleep’ (an analysis of Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s works with a philosophical and poetic approach, focusing on the film ‘Winter Sleep’ and the director’s minimalist style), ‘1968 and World Cinema’, and ‘Dark Paths’ (Romero, Craven, Carpenter, and modern horror film) are among the cinematic books presented at Raybod’s booth at the Art University, the venue for the Nahal Student Film and Photo Festival.

Kiaei said: Raybod Publishing has focused in recent years on publishing reputable works in the field of world cinema. Paying attention to the diverse tastes of audiences across various genres and addressing directors with different styles and approaches has been our main strategy, and we will continue this path by translating and publishing contemporary and influential cinematic works.

This book expert added: In addition to publishing reference books on cinema, Raybod Publishing has also released a collection of literary works, many of which have become important and lasting adaptations in the history of cinema. In the ‘Novella’ section, works are presented that lie on the border between short stories and novels and always have a high capacity for adaptation. Among these books are ‘The Woman in the Dark’ by Dashiell Hammett, a work from which a film of the same title has also been made. Also, the novella ‘Sansho the Bailiff’ by Ogai Mori, which inspired one of the outstanding adaptations of classical Japanese cinema directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. ‘The Sheltering Sky’ by Paul Bowles is another ‘Novella’ book from which Bernardo Bertolucci made a good film.

Kiaei concluded: Raybod’s activities are not limited to adapted literature. In the narrative section titled ‘The Narrator’s Room,’ novels are also published that represent the concerns of contemporary man. Additionally, in the ‘Conflict Room’ section, essays are published that address fundamental issues of modern humanity, from loneliness and death to the end of meaning, individual achievements, and the fear of decline, offering intellectual and narrative responses. Raybod Publishing strives to build a bridge between human lived experience and contemporary cultural narratives by combining literature, thought, and the history of cinema; a bridge where the reader is entertained, educated, and reflected.

The 21st Nahal Student Film Festival is being held from November 12th to 20th at the Faculty of Applied Arts, Art University.