TEHRAN – The Iranian animated film “The Legend of Sephar,” directed by Emad Rahmani and Mehrdad Mehravi, won the top prize at the Tanzanite International Film Festival, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from November 27 to 29.
Competing with films from China, the United States, Russia, France and Germany, “The Legend of Sepal” won the Best Animated Feature Award at the 4th festival, Mair reported.
The Legend of Sepal is an epic animated adventure that blends mythology, humor, and heart into a vivid full-length epic. In a world where ancient tales come to life around every corner, young Sepher and his faithful cheetah companion Babu embark on a daring adventure against the looming darkness of Ahriman, a force determined to cast the world in eternal shadow.
Their journey begins on a peaceful island, but soon unfolds into chaos, wonder, and unforgettable encounters. From battling strange creatures to encountering eccentric allies, Sefer and Babu discover that courage is often wrapped in laughter, and that a cheerful spirit can be the most powerful weapon in the face of overwhelming darkness.
A cinematic tale of heroism, humor, and friendship, The Legend of Sepal is a testament to bold storytelling and imaginative world-building.
Produced in 2024, “The Legend of Sepehr” has so far participated in several international film festivals and won several awards, including Best Animation Award at the New York International Film Awards (NYIFA) in February.
Emad Rahmani (36) is the CEO of Permanent Way Entertainment, a gaming and animation studio. He has managed and supervised over 20 projects. He has also published many game scripts and essays.
The Tanzanite International Animation Festival is a festival of national and international animation held annually in Dar es Salaam.
One of East Africa’s premier animation events, Tanzanite Festival aims to raise the profile and visibility of African animation and foster networking with regional and global studios and investors.
Established to promote the art of animation and its cultural impact, Tanzanite Festival features red carpet events, workshops, film screenings, panel discussions, art exhibits, pitching opportunities to industry investors and producers, and an awards ceremony.
SS/SAB