TEHRAN-The 13th edition of Tehran International Animation Festival (TIAF)came to an end on Friday, honoring the winners in different categories. 

In the international section of the festival, the title of best animated film was bestowed upon “Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light,” a collaborative production of Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, directed by Filip Pošivač.

This stop-motion adventure film centers around Tony, an 11-year-old boy born with a unique glowing ability. Despite his parents' attempts to shield him from the outside world, Tony befriends Shelly, a mysterious girl who introduces him to a fantastical realm inside his pillow fort. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the source of dark wisps stealing sunlight from their home.

In the short film category, “The Turnip,” co-directed by Piret Sigus and Silja Saarepuu from Estonia, claimed the top spot, with runner-up positions going to “Bestia” by Hugo Covarrubias from Chile and “Dog Apartment” by Priit Tender from Estonia.

“The Turnip” adapts a Slavic fairy tale from a peasant's perspective, providing an underground view of the story and exploring themes of property, collaboration, and betrayal.

Inspired by the life of Íngrid Olderöck, a police major and DINA agent during the Chilean military regime, “Bestia” delves into her hidden life, fears, and the societal fractures witnessed in the wake of human rights violations.

“Dog Apartment” narrates the story of an elderly ballet dancer amidst a rainy wasteland, grappling with his mundane routine. Tender's surreal stop-motion animation draws parallels to a poem by Andres Ehin, portraying a tale of monotony and consumption.

The title of best student animation was awarded to “My Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow,” a joint project between Czech Republic and Slovakia directed by Filip Diviak.

The animation is about Edgar, who leads an utterly predictable life. He spends his days nurturing his favorite plant, saving up for a new car and keeping his mother company, as he loves her very much. One day, when visiting an abattoir, he witnesses the birth of a calf. After that, nothing is the same.

“The Legend of the Lemmings” by Cédric Lachenaud from France secured the best animated series award, while “Insurance for Housewives” by Alireza Pour Shakouri from Iran took home the best commercial accolade.

A special jury award was granted to “When I am Sad” by Lilit Altunyan from Armenia, a short animation depicting a smile's journey through realms of sorrow, with a touch of love bringing it full circle.

Additionally, honorable mentions were awarded to “Harvey,” a collaborative project between Canada and France, directed by Janice Nadeau, and “In the Shadow of Cypress” by Hossein Molayemi and Fatemeh Shirin Sohani from Iran.

“Harvey,” adapted from a graphic novel of the same title, tells the story of a young boy who vividly recounts the day his life changed dramatically. Through the imaginative eyes of a child, this radiant film by Janice Nadeau, accompanied by Martin Léon's elegant music, explores grief and the process of coping with the loss of a parent.

“In the Shadow of Cypress” portrays an aging sailor grappling with PTSD. Living with his daughter in a modest seaside home, their relationship has grown distant. Despite the old captain's desire to reconnect with his daughter, their lives take an unexpected turn one morning.

The Tehran International Animation Festival, organized by the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), is biennial and aims to foster a platform for the exchange of ideas and techniques in animation. It serves as a hub for curating and showcasing works, discovering talent, and encouraging newcomers to explore their creativity and innovation in the field of animation. The festival also strives to enhance skills, introduce new techniques, and promote a higher standard of quality in animation productions.

Photo: A scene from “Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light” by Filip Pošivač

SAB/