TEHRAN-Two Iranian animations are scheduled to go on screen at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. 

“In the Shadow of Cypress” by Hossein Molayemi and “Aquatic” by Shiva Sadeq Asadi will be screened at the main section of the festival, which will be held in the French city from June 9 to 15. 

“In the Shadow of Cypress” portrays an aging sailor grappling with post- traumatic stress disorder (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.

"Aquatic" delves into the narrative of a woman whose unique gift of birthing marine creatures becomes a commodity exploited for commercial gain. As the story unfolds, her extraordinary ability propels her into a perilous world of exploitation and manipulation.

Last year, Iranian short movie “Our Uniform” won the Jean-Luc Xiberras Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market.

The prestigious French event gives the award to a directorial debut.

Directed by Yeganeh Moqaddam, “Our Uniform” is about an Iranian girl who unfolds her school memories through the wrinkled fabric of her old uniform. She admits that she’s nothing but a “female” and explores the roots of this idea in her school years.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival (Festival International du Film d’Animation d’Annecy, AIAFF) was established in 1960 and is held annually in the town of Annecy, France during the beginning of June. Originally occurring every two years, the festival transitioned to an annual event in 1998. 

It is recognized as one of the four international animated film festivals backed by the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA). Throughout the festival, a variety of competing films are screened in cinemas across the city, with a special open-air night projection taking place on Pâquier, in the heart of the town, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the lake and mountains. The giant screen showcases classic and recent films that correspond with the festival's theme. 

Photo: A scene from “In the Shadow of Cypress” by Hossein Molayemi

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