In the Shadow of the Cypress

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Synopsis

In the Shadow of the Cypress is a 2023 Iranian animated short film directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani. The 20-minute, dialogue-free film portrays a former captain suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who lives a secluded life by the sea with his daughter. Their challenging existence takes an unexpected turn when they discover a beached whale near their home, leading to profound personal transformations.

In the Shadow of the Cypress premiered in the Orizzonti section of the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023. The film received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and artistic animation, winning several awards, including Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The directors, Molayemi and Sohani, faced significant challenges during production, including working under extraordinary circumstances in Iran, which they highlighted during their Oscars acceptance speech. The film has been showcased at various international film festivals, such as Tribeca and Annecy, further cementing its status as a remarkable piece of animated cinema.