Exploring Saba animations: ‘The Heroes’

iFilm English website continues its journey of introducing audiences to the remarkable animations produced by the Saba Animation Center.

‘The Heroes’, produced by Saba, has emerged as a standout success, skillfully blending together history, culture, and entertainment.

Written and directed by Siavash Zarrinabadi, this animated television series, which first aired in March 2008 and concluded its run in April 2022, has captivated viewers over multiple seasons and left a lasting impression on Iranian television.

‘The Heroes’ is much more than just an animated series. It is a cultural endeavor that delves deep into Iran's rich history, specifically the 13th century, a period marked by heroism, wisdom, and moral fortitude.

The series revolves around Pahlavan Pourya-ye Vali, a revered blacksmith and master of the Zoorkhaneh—a traditional Persian gymnasium where ancient sports are practiced.

Pourya-ye Vali, along with his loyal students—Pahlavan Yavar, Pahlavan Safi, and Pahlavan Mofrad—takes on the cunning and deceitful Eskandar Khan, the city’s ambitious Darughechi (governor).

Set in the historical city of Khwarazm, the series portrays the timeless struggle between good and evil, highlighting the virtues of bravery, integrity, and teamwork.

‘The Heroes’ adopts a 2D animation technique, a choice that was both deliberate and effective.

Zarrinabadi, the series' creator, emphasized in his last interview with Saba that the 2D format's unique graphical style was better suited to convey the historical atmosphere and character-driven storytelling that the series demanded.

“The two-dimensional method and its special graphics are more in line with the storytelling style, characters, and historical atmosphere of this collection,” Zarrinabadi explained.

The production, which involved a large team working over several years, required a significant investment of time and effort, with each episode taking approximately two months to complete. 

‘The Heroes’ has not only entertained but also educated its audience, repeatedly being rebroadcast on channels like IRIB Pooya and Nahal, ensuring that new generations of viewers continue to experience its charm.

The series has also been recognized for its excellence, with Zarrinabadi receiving the best director award at the third Jam-e-Jam Television Festival, a testament to the show's impact on Iranian media.

Through the tales of Pourya-ye Vali and his companions, the series has successfully brought the rich traditions and values of ancient Iran into the homes of modern viewers, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inspire the present.

Also read:

‘Farid's Riddles’

'Smarty Rooster, Tricky Fox'

'What Color Am I?'

'Persian Anecdote'

‘Fingils’

‘Chiya’

‘The Playful Clock’

‘The Little Elephant’