Animation ‘Chawk’ wins in Baku, set for three global festivals
Iranian director Hazhir As’adi’s short animation ‘Chawk’ (Fountain) clinched the Best Student Short Animated Film Award at the 8th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival held in Baku from September 3 to 7.
The festival, organized by the Azerbaijan Animation Association, showcased 39 films from 20 countries, with ‘Chawk’ standing out in the international competition, inn.ir reported.
The narrative of ‘Chawk’ delves into the poignant journey of a middle-aged projectionist who, amidst a cityscape of distorted faces, reconnects with his teenage love. Its compelling storytelling and innovative animation techniques have contributed to its growing international recognition.
Prior to this accolade, the film received a Special Mention in the International Animation category at the 27th Inventa un Film Festival in Italy and was selected for the 31st ShortFest Palm Springs in California.
Following its success in Baku, ‘Chawk’ is slated to be featured in several global festivals. It has been officially selected for the 32nd Adana Golden Boll Film Festival in Turkey, scheduled from September 22 to 28, 2025.
Also, the film will be showcased at the 21st Vox Popular Film Festival in Thunder Bay, Canada, from September 18 to 20, 2025, and the 15th Kurdish Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, from September 25 to October 1, 2025.