Hossein Molayemi
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Born
1982 (age 43–44)
Hossein Molayemi
1982 (age 43–44)
Shiraz, Iran
EducationBachelor's in Graphics from Soore University
Master's in Animation from the University of Art, Tehran
Master's in Animation from the University of Art, Tehran
OccupationsAnimation director
Professor at the University of Tehran
Professor at the University of Tehran
KnownforWinner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
Hossein Molayemi | |
|---|---|
 Hossein Molayemi in 2024 | |
| Born | Hossein Molayemi 1982 (age 43–44) Shiraz, Iran |
| Education | Bachelor's in Graphics from Soore University Master's in Animation from the University of Art, Tehran |
| Occupations | Animation director Professor at the University of Tehran |
| Known for | Winner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film |
| Notable work | In the Shadow of the Cypress |
| Spouse | Shirin Sohani[1] |
Hossein Molayemi (born 1982, Shiraz, Iran) is an Iranian animation director, and designer.
Molayemi graduated in painting from the Boys' Fine Arts High School of Karaj in 2000, earning a bachelor's degree in Graphics from Soore University in 2006 and a master's degree in Animation from the University of Art in Tehran in 2010. In 2025, the short animated film In the Shadow of the Cypress, which he co-directed with his wife Shirin Sohani, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. This achievement marked Iran's first-ever Oscar in animation history.[2]
Honors and awards
| Year[3][4][5] | Film | Festival | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | In the Shadow of the Cypress | 97th Academy Awards | Best Animated Short Film | Winner | [6][7] |
| 41st Tehran International Short Film Festival | Best Animated Film (National Competition) | Winner | [8] | ||
| Tribeca Film Festival | Best Animated Short | Winner | [9] | ||
| Animayo International Film Festival | Grand Jury Prize for Best International Film | Winner | [10] | ||
| 13th Tehran International Animation Festival | Best Animation, Best Character Design, Best Animators, and International Honorary Diploma | Winner | [11] | ||
| 28th LA Shorts International Film Festival | Best Animation | Winner | [12] | ||
| 47th Drama International Short Film Festival | Best Animation | Winner | [13] | ||
| Annecy International Animated Film Festival | Crystal Award for Best Short Film | Nominated | [14] | ||
| 52nd Annie Awards | Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject | Nominated | [15] | ||
| Melbourne International Film Festival | City of Melbourne Award | Nominated | [16] | ||
| Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival | Canal+ Award | Nominated | [17] | ||
| 80th Venice Film Festival | Horizons Award for Best Short Film | Nominated | [18] | ||
| Run Rostam Run[19] | 20th Iran Cinema Celebration | Honorary Diploma for Best Animation | Winner | [20] | |
| Isfahan International Festival of Films for Children and Youth | Best International Animation | Winner | |||
| 10th Tehran International Animation Biennial | Golden Statue for Best Animator | Winner | [21] | ||
| 6th International Urban Film Festival | Best Director | Winner | |||
| 6th International Urban Film Festival | Best Animated Film | Nominated | |||
| 6th International Urban Film Festival | Best Animator | Nominated | |||
| 10th Iran Animation Celebration | Best Director | Winner | |||
| 10th Iran Animation Celebration | Best Film | Nominated | |||
| 35th Tehran International Short Film Festival | Best Animated Film (Audience Choice) | Winner |
Career
Source:[22]
- Founder of Barfak Studio (established 2014)
- Worked in 2D animation production at Haft-Nama Animation Company (Ghelghelak Studio), managed by Saeed Tarkhani (2003–2005)
- Contributed to teasers and clips for the 20th Isfahan International Festival of Films for Children and Youth (2005)
- Served as International Section Editor and Translator for the art quarterly Khat-Khati (2006)
- Worked at the Animation Film Studies and Production Center (affiliated with Islamic Propagation Organization) as a costume, weapon, and accessory designer for characters in the animated feature Peace Force, directed by Borzou Rafeipour (2007)
- Co-founder of Barfi Studio (established 2009)
- Founder and first secretary of the Scientific Association of Animation at the University of Art, Tehran (2007)
Notable works
In the Shadow of the Cypress, a 2023 Iranian short animated film co-directed by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi.
Run Rostam Run, a 2016 Iranian short animated film
Filmography
- In the Shadow of the Cypress: Director, Producer, Character Designer, Layout Artist, Background Designer
- The Little Beetle: Director, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist
- Commando: Character Designer, Background Artist, Layout Artist
- Red Line: Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Lead Animator, Editor
- The Neighbors (TV series): Art Director, Character Designer
- The Champions (TV series): Director, Character Designer
- Editor of the short animated film The Fan, directed by Shirin Sohani (2014)
Achievements
- Oscar winner for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress at the 2025 Academy Awards[23][24][25]