The Hoopoe And The Owls

Growing up, I saw lots of people killed just for speaking about reality and expressing their opinions. Many parents and young people decided to stay silent and not speak out against the harsh government regime because they didn't want to bring harm to themselves or to their families or friends. I grew up in a place where being yourself is very difficult and most of the time you have to pretend to fit in with society even if it does not make sense. I felt an unbearable pain and uncomfortable in my own skin when I had to present myself in a certain way to prevent misunderstandings and avoid problems in my conservative community.
This painful experience inspired me to make this short animated film that speaks, not only for me, but for many young people around the world who live under society's pressure, and would like to share their experiences, stories, emotions, lifestyles, beliefs, and feelings with others.
I decided to use the paint on paper technique frame by frame because colour moves something deep inside me. Although life in a country like Iran is often filled with dark moments, the people have infinite hope inside themselves. Colour can illustrate and serve as a metaphor for this hope.