Iran wins the first prize at a Russian festival with an animated film.

The Iranian short animated film "The Blue Companion," directed by Farzaneh Qabadi, won the first prize in the international animation section during the sixteenth edition of the "Light to the World" international youth cinema festival in Russia. The short animated film "The Blue Companion," directed by Farzaneh Qabadi and produced by the Youth Cinema Association in Semnan Province, tells the story of a woman with disabilities who lives in isolation. After accepting her new identity, she finds a way to connect with the world around her and continue her life. This artistic work is inspired by the director's personal experience and focuses on deep human concepts such as acceptance, empathy, the challenges associated with disabilities, and the importance of human communication. The film's presence in an international festival reflects some of the artistic abilities and energies that Semnan Province possesses in this field. It is worth noting that the "Light to the World" international youth cinema festival is one of the renowned artistic events in Russia, with the 2026 edition showcasing works from various countries around the world.