The Night of the Asiatic Cheetah: Screening Vortex

The “Night of the Asiatic Cheetah” event, held at the Saifollah Dad Hall in the House of Cinema, brought together conservationists, filmmakers, and wildlife enthusiasts to celebrate and raise awareness about one of the world’s most endangered species. Organized by the Iranian Wildlife Documentarians Association, the Biodiversity Society, and the Documentary Producers Association, the evening centered around the screening of Vortex, a powerful documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Fathollah Amiri.

The event began with a presentation by Leila Fouladvand, who offered an in-depth introduction to the Asiatic cheetah, also known as the Iranian cheetah. “This beautiful big cat, once roaming vast regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and India, is now confined to a few isolated habitats in Iran,” she said. Highlighting its critically endangered status, she revealed alarming statistics: fewer than 17 cheetahs remain in the wild, including 10 cubs and 7 adults. Fouladvand stressed that despite two decades of conservation efforts, factors such as habitat destruction, road collisions, and declining prey populations continue to threaten the cheetah’s survival.

Following the screening, Fathollah Amiri, the director of Vortex, reflected on the dire situation facing the Asiatic cheetah. “As seen in the film, the cheetah may already be extinct in central Iran. However, in wildlife, nothing is ever certain. Conservation requires continuous monitoring and assessment,” he remarked. His words were complemented by contributions from speakers such as Hamid Zohrabi, who discussed future conservation programs, and Bagher Nezami, who explored the challenges of protecting this elusive species. They emphasized the need for habitat restoration, private sector involvement, and substantial funding to ensure the cheetah’s survival.

The event served as both a cinematic tribute to the Asiatic cheetah and a rallying call for action. The documentary and discussions illuminated the critical threats facing this majestic animal, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative efforts to save it from extinction.

Source: House of Cinema Website

Report by: Parisa Ahadian