‘By the Way’ paves way for Iranian animation at US experimental festival
Iranian short animation ‘By the Way’ by directors Mahboobeh Kalaee and Ali Fotoohi won the “No Violence” award at the 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival in the United States, expanding the international footprint of Iran’s independent animation scene.
The experimental animated film, produced by the Documentary, Experimental & Animation Film Center (DEFC) of Iran, was honored at the Michigan-based festival, one of the world’s oldest showcases dedicated to experimental and artist-driven cinema, held from March 24 to 29, ILNA reported.
The Lauter/Gräf “No Violence” prize is awarded to films that engage audiences while adhering to a principle of avoiding violent imagery in storytelling. The jury recognized ‘By the Way’ for its restrained visual language and narrative impact.
The film has continued to build momentum on the international festival circuit. It previously screened at the 26th Monstra Lisbon Animation Festival in Portugal, an event known for blending animation with contemporary artistic forms and experimental visual expression.
‘By the Way’ is also slated to screen this summer at Slovakia’s Fest Anča International Animation Festival, further broadening its overseas presence. The production earlier received the Best International Film award at China’s 22nd China Animation Golden Dragon Awards.