Iran’s Short Animation “In the Shadow of the Cypress” Shines at the Oscars, Triumphing Against All Odds

Representing Iran at this year’s Oscars, the film “In the Shadow of the Cypress” clinched the Best Short Animation award by telling the moving story of a war survivor in a distinctive way. The film explores the intricate life of a small family—a father battling post-accident challenges and his injured daughter who remains at his side. Through their wordless interactions, the film powerfully conveys the deep suffering both endure.

For Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Soohani, participating in the Oscars was not without its hurdles. They encountered significant difficulties in obtaining a U.S. visa—spending several days in Oman awaiting an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Ultimately, their visas were issued just one day before the ceremony, allowing them to arrive in Los Angeles a few hours before the event began. In their acceptance speech, Soohani and Molayemi noted their earlier disappointment at seemingly not being able to attend, only to arrive with just hours to spare to receive the award.

Molayemi and Soohani said that just producing the film “under the extraordinary circumstances of our country is a miracle.” They dedicated their award to all of those fighting both inner and outer battles, and fellow Iranians who are still suffering.

The animation was meticulously produced using hand-drawn 2D and frame-by-frame techniques, methods that are recognized as some of the most challenging in the animation industry. The directors disclosed that while creating this 20-minute film, they faced serious financial constraints and a shortage of manpower. Nonetheless, their determination ensured the film’s timing, continuity, and narrative rhythm were maintained, and its impressive sound design and musical score have won widespread acclaim from critics.

Overcoming stiff competition from films like the French short animation “Yuck” and the Japanese anime “Magic Candies”, “In the Shadow of the Cypress” has rekindled hopes for a renaissance in Iranian short animation, reminding audiences of the nation’s storied past in the field. Experts now believe this success could signal a turning point for the industry in Iran.

Both artists have been vocal in their criticism of the prolonged visa process and the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran. In an interview, Hossein Molayemi stated:

“The most important problem is that we have been living under sanctions for years. Our national currency is devaluing and shrinking every day. Ultimately, the key issue is the economic crisis and the mental strain that we Iranians suffer because of it.”