Dir. Sepideh Farsi, 2021, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Color. 90 min.
In Persan with English subtitles

Opening Film – Panorama, 2023 Berlin International Film
Winner of Best Original Music (composed by Erik Truffaz), 2023 Festival Annecy International Animation Film Festival

In competition, 2023 Festival Annecy International Animated Film Festival

Set in 1980 Abadan—the capital of the Iranian oil industry—in the chaotic wake of a devastating Iraqi missile strike, the film follows 14-year-old Omid, who’s braved the siege and stayed in the ruined city with his ailing grandfather. Omid’s crumbling world is populated by a cast of unusual characters who’ve remained for their own reasons, and who model resistance throughout the ever-evolving conflict. French artistic director Zaven Najjar‘s 2D style and stark palette powerfully illustrate a visceral odyssey of the descent into war through the eyes of an innocent, using elements of magical realism to juxtapose adolescent fantasy with man-made horrors—and, ultimately, to highlight the persistence and triumph of hope. This acclaimed new work from Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi premiered as the opening Panorama section film at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and was awarded Best Animated Film at the 16th Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

Zaven Najjar will be at Animation First on Saturday, January 27 at 4:30pm to discuss his upcoming feature Allah is Not Obliged.

Please join us after the film for a reception prepared by Québécois Chef Dominic Sylvain. Unibroue beer courtesy of the Québec Government Office in New York. Wine courtesy of D-I Wine.