A special evening honoring emergency responders from the fire service during the recent war was held on Thursday night, 28 May, attended by a number of Iranian artists.
According to Artmag.ir, citing ISNA, the event part of a broader series organized by the Iranian Cinema House, Music House, and Theatre House to recognize various frontline responders during the so-called “Ramadan war” focused specifically on firefighters and took place at Milad Tower.
Hosted by actress Atefeh Razavi, the ceremony was attended by Seyyed Zia Hashemi, Deputy for Social and Cultural Affairs to the First Vice President, alongside a group of cultural figures and artists including Manoochehr Shahsavari, Marzieh Boroumand, Homayoun Asadian (CEO of Iran Cinema House), Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh (CEO of Iran Music House), Fatemeh Mohammadi (CEO of the Cinema Museum), Amin Zendegani, Ali Rouein Tan, Ali Mardaneh, and Farzin Mohaddes.
A Cultural Institutions’ Social Responsibility
Speaking at the event, Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh pointed to the role played by these guild institutions during the recent days of war and expressed appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of relief forces and their families.
He said the three professional arts organizations Cinema House, Music House, and Theatre House decided, within the framework of their Social Responsibility, to hold programs aimed at standing with the public and acknowledging emergency responders.
Nourbakhsh added that many people were killed, many were displaced, and many suffered damage during the conflict. “That is why we asked ourselves what we could do to help create a better spirit for people especially once some time had passed since the most intense days,” he said.
The head of Iran Music House noted that in the final days of the war, programs were also arranged for those whose homes had been damaged and who were staying in hotels. He added that, following those efforts, the organizers decided to pay tribute to “three brave and dedicated institutions” that were on the front line of service: the Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and the Red Crescent.
Referring to the work of rescue teams, Nourbakhsh said these responders “truly put their lives on the line,” creating “brilliant scenes of service” and setting lasting records in reducing response times.
Emphasizing that the event was part of the Social Responsibility initiatives of arts institutions, he thanked the Fire Department, EMS, the Red Crescent, and their families for their support, and also expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture for backing the program.
Turning Mourning into Epic Resolve
Later, filmmaker Ali Rouein-Tan referred to the difficult recent days, saying: “A fire has settled in our hearts that no firefighter can extinguish. But Iranian culture has taught us to heal our grief and sorrow through epic spirit and song.”
He added that if the war had any achievement, one of the most significant was the unity and solidarity formed between Cinema House, Theatre House, and Music House—“three houses that stood together to defend a single home called Iran.”
Mohsen Sharifian’s Tribute
In another part of the ceremony, Mohsen Sharifian, a folkloric music performer, spoke briefly before his performance, saying he was glad to be included in the program and to spend the evening alongside firefighters. He described firefighters as among “the most beloved, energetic, and admirable” groups in society, adding that Iranians have always valued their dedication—pointing to the public solidarity seen during the Plasco building tragedy as one such example.
Sharifian expressed hope for the responders’ continued health and success, adding: “Our wish is to create a few joyful moments for you tonight this is the least that can be done in standing with you.” He then performed selections from the folk music of southern Iran for firefighters and their families.
