Iranian Female Animation: A Collection of Voices and Stories
80 min.
Iranian Female Animation: A Collection of Voices and Stories stands as a testament to the impactful and vibrant contributions made by Iranian female animators. This captivating collection offers a brief yet powerful exploration of the profound artistry and perspectives that these talented women bring to the world of Iranian animation, all while navigating a landscape of discriminatory conditions and limitations.
Against this backdrop, these animators have made powerful films that transcended national boundaries and earned acclaim at international film festivals. Their artistic endeavours serve as a powerful form of resistance, symbolising a collective movement towards a more just society.
With films by resilient and tenacious directors, this programme hopes to open a window into Iranian female animation and to pave the way for a brighter future, one that inspires and provides increased opportunities for future generations.
Curated by Narjes Mohammadi & Nahid Malayeri
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In the Shadow of the Cypress
Six years in the making and despite facing challenges like sanctions and limited budget, In the Shadow of the Cypress is an impressive wordless allegory about a former captain, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, who has difficulties connecting with his daugther. Together, they live an isolated life near the sea. But one morning, a giant whale is beached right outside their door. A touching portrait about suffering, inner conflict, and ultimately, love.
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No. 28
Zahra Salarnia's first film is haunting visual journey across her own childhood memories. Inspired by the charcoal drawings of animators such as William Kentridge, she revisits her personal past as a child born during the Iran-Iraq war with a striking juxtaposition between depictions of an innocent childhood life in a remote, peaceful environment and the surrounding political and military chaos of post-revolutionary Iran.
The Fourth Wall
Mahbooheh Kalaee's graduation short is a striking mixed media film (including stop-motion, live-action, puppetry) about a young boy with a stutter who imagines a whole life in his kitchen. Home, family, relationships, desires, wishes and everything are summarised in one room.
Grandad Was a Romantic
Winner of a BAFTA for British Short Animation, Grandad Was a Romantic is a deeply romantic love story about a grandad who once saw picture of Granny and realised she was the love of his life. Maryam Mohajer's painterly and experimental style beautifully matches the rhtyhm of this fast-paced narrative, indebted to the expressive Iranian culture.
The Red Fire
Darkness has swept over the world. All living beings are forced to live in deep shadows. In this black era, a flock of red birds travel in search of the Red Fire, a fire that according to the prophecies will put an end to the constant eclipse and absence of the sun. Dipped in myths and dreams, Mona A. Shahi's Red Fire is a painterly animated visual poem about the love between a mountain and a little bird.
Gray Body
A visit to the dentist, we can all relate to that. It's an exposure to pain we all know. Here, a dentist is calmly examining his patient. In the waiting room, some psychiatric patients are waiting their turn. But they are not exactly the definition of 'calm'. Director Samaneh, inspired by her many visits to the dentist due to damaged teeth, imagines a memorable experience about the thoughts and concerns that come about when we are treated.
Our Uniform
Iranian director Yegane Moghaddam unfolds her school memories from Tehran through the wrinkles and fabrics of her old uniform. Inventively animated using all sorts of clothes, Our Uniform is a story about mandatory uniforms and much more. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Short Film (Animated).