Iranian animated series ‘Javanmardan’ picked for Belarus Animaeuka
Iranian animated series ‘Javanmardan,’ (literally translated as ‘The Chivalrous’), produced by Saba Animation Center, was selected to compete at the 2025 Animaeuka International Festival in Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) confirmed on July 16.
The selection was made by the IRIB’s General Directorate of International Media Affairs, which submitted the series as an official entry to the festival.
Animaeuka, running from September 24 to 26 in the eastern city of Mogilev, is considered one of the leading animation events in Eastern Europe. Since its founding in 1998, the festival has drawn top-tier global talent and entries across three main categories—professional films, children's content, and visual arts.
‘Javanmardan’ tells an epic tale of resistance against the Mongol invasion, portraying themes of valor, faith, and patriotism through a blend of national and religious symbolism. Its creators have described it as a “historical and heroic narrative” highlighting Iran’s cultural legacy.
The IRIB said the work’s inclusion marks a “major step” in showcasing Iranian animation on the world stage. For Tehran’s cultural diplomacy, the selection is seen as more than symbolic, it’s a chance to reflect the country’s rich storytelling traditions through a modern artistic lens.
The ‘Javanmardan’ series is part of Saba’s wider push to export Islamic-Iranian values through soft power.