Iranian animators win Oscar, dedicate award to compatriots

Iranian filmmakers Shirin Sohani and Hossein Malayemi won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short for their film In the Shadow of the Cypress at the 97th Oscars in Hollywood, dedicating the award to their fellow Iranians.

"Just the fact that we managed to make this film under the extraordinary circumstances of our country is a miracle," Malayemi said in his acceptance speech, in what appeared to be a reference to the censorship challenges faced by Iranian filmmakers and artists.

"We are going to dedicate our film and this precious award to all those who are still fighting in their inner and outer battles heroically -- especially to our fellow Iranians who are still suffering," Malayemi added.

The duo's Oscar journey nearly ended before it began. Their film, a self-funded passion project six years in the making, almost missed Hollywood’s biggest stage as their US visas were approved only a day before the ceremony.

"Three hours ago our plane landed in LA. We hadn't obtained our visa until yesterday And we were totally disappointed, and now we are here. It's a miracle," Sohani said.

The film -- which beat competitors including Beautiful Men, Magic Candies, Wander to Wonder, and Yuck! -- was praised for its unique visual storytelling. It had previously screened at Venice Tribeca and the Los Angeles Short Film Festival and was nominated for Annie Awards and the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

While Iranian cinema has global reputation for its exploration of social themes, independent filmmakers operate under a system of stringent censorship.

The government requires script approval and screening permits by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, punishing those who challenge political or social taboos with bans, imprisonment, or exile.

Award-winning director Mohammad Rasoulof had been jailed for his films before leaving Iran, while Jafar Panahi has worked under house arrest, and Asghar Farhadi, despite his global acclaim, said he will not make films in Iran anymore.