S. Korea awards Iran animation

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea has awarded Iran animation ‘The Last Fiction’.

Directed by Ashkan Rahgozar, the animated piece has won the best music award at the South Korean festival.

The animated film is the story of an evil figure in Iranian mythology, Zahhak. It is a free adaptation of a story from Iran’s classic literature.

Based on classic Persian literature — “The Shahnameh” or “The Book of Kings,” by the poet Ferdowsi — the 100-minute animated ‘The Last Fiction’ follows the twin stories of upstart ruler Zahak, who makes a treacherous rise to the throne in Jamkard (ancient Persia), and of young hero Afaridoun, who is fated to save the kingdom’s people from the darkness.

Zahak, who made a Faustian pact to seize the throne, is now haunted by his evil deeds, and his recent nightmares prophesy that a young man he wronged in the past will rise up against him.

However, Afaridoun must first conquer his own inner demons before he can battle Zahak’s dark forces and restore peace to the kingdom.

Popular Iranian actors Akbar Zanjanpour, Hamed Behdad, Parviz Parastoui, Majid Mozaffari, and Ashkan Khatibi are among the animation voice actors.

The list goes on with Zoheir Yari, Baran Kosari, Hassan Pourshirazi, Shaqayeq Farahani, Melika Sharifinia, Farrokh Nemati, and Bita Farrahi.

Inaugurated in 1997, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival focuses on South Korean and international horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy films, with particular attention to Asian cinema from East Asia and Southeast Asia.

The 22nd edition of Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival was held on October 19-23, 2018 in South Korea.

FM/MM