Writer/directing duo Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani present their latest masterpiece the Oscar® qualified IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS

Writer/director duo Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS follows the story of a former captain suffering with PTSD living by the sea with his daughter, just when the captains past begins to consume his present a whale gets stuck on the beach shore which triggers and heals them both in the most peculiar way. This incredibly emotional film has qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars® after winning the qualifying awards at Animayo Animation Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and LA Shorts Film Festival.

Living in a house by the sea with his daughter, a former captain who has post-traumatic stress disorder leads a tough and secluded life.

Co-writer/director/producer Hossein Molayemi started his professional career in 2004. He is multi-talented and known for being a director, character designer, storyboard artist, animator and university lecturer.. He made his directorial debut with, RUN ROSTAM RUN which selected at many Oscar® qualifying film festivals including Annecy and Warsaw. His current short film IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS has qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars®.

Co-writer/director/producer Shirin Sohani started her professional career in 2012. She is best known for her work as a concept artist, background artist, script writer & Production manager. IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS was her directorial debut and has had quite the festival reception whilst also qualifying to be considered for the 2025 Oscar®.

The beautiful music which compliments the film’s twists and turns was composed by Afshin Azizi.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS has been selected by festivals and has enthusiastically been received by audiences worldwide, including Venice International Film Festival, Annecy International Film Festival, Clermont Ferrand International Film Festival and Hollyshorts Film Festival to name a few.

This emotional yet poignant animated short film has qualified to be considered for the 97th Academy® Awards.