In the Shadow of the Cypress: Film Screening & Discussion

April 18, 2025Discussion with the writers and directors of the Academy Award winning film “In the Shadow of the Cypress,” Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani. The film won the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.“A former captain, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, lives with his daughter in a humble house located by the sea. Together, they live an isolated life and have to confront the challenges of a harsh life.Despite the captain's deep desire to be a devoted and caring father, he finds himself unable to fulfill his role and connect with his daughter in the way that he longs to.One morning, their lives change forever when an unforeseen event occurs. Whether this event proves to be a newfound source of hope or an additional burden remains to be seen.”Hossein Molayemi completed his M.A. in animation directing at the Tehran University of Art and started his professional career in 2004. His work includes directing, character design, storyboard artist, animator and university lecturer. In the Shadow of the Cypress is his second professional film. His first film, "Run Rostam Run" (2017) was selected at Annecy, Warsaw and several other Oscar-qualifying film festivals and won national and international awards. He is a board member of ASIFA Iran and the Animation Filmmakers Guild of Iran.Shirin Sohani completed her M.A. in animation directing at the Tehran University of Art. She started her professional career in 2012 and has worked as a concept artist, background artist, script writer and production manager. In the Shadow of the Cypress is her first professional film. Her graduation animated film, "The Fan" (2014) won both national and international awards.Part of the Stanford Festival of Iranian Arts