‘In the Shadow of the Cypress’ Named Best in Show at 2024 Spark Animation Festival

In the Shadow of the Cypress, Iranian filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani’s animated short about a captain suffering from PTSD who lives with his daughter, wants to be a caring father, but struggles with a harsh life, has been named Best in Show. The win means the filmmakers and their film are now eligible for consideration at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Other winners include:

• Diversity Award (Film) – Hairy Legs directed by Andrea Dorfman (Canada)
• Diversity Award (Organization) – Zombie Studio (Brazil)
• Jury Prize – The Ones Who Never See the Moon (France) from ECOLE MoPA students Solène Marché, Lou Thoby, Tom Saurel, Evelyne Philippart, Marie Fantini, Amélie Soto
• Director’s Prize –* Razor Ruckus* (Canada) directed by APPI
• Student Film – Mum’s Spaghetti (UK) directed by Lisa Kenney
• Music Video – Hero (Brazil) directed by Paulo Garcia
• Student Music Video – Rabbits Have Red Eyes (South Korea) from Kaywon University students Yoonsun Lee and Jiwon Choi
• GameVerse – Control - Juno Hero Trailer (USA) directed by Brian Horn