Photo courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
The Oscars air March 2, 2025.
The Alexandria Film Festival (AFF) is delighted to announce that “In the Shadow of the Cypress,” which made its Virginia debut during AFF’s 18th annual festival in
November, was nominated for this year’s Academy Awards in the animated short category. The Oscars will be awarded March 2.
This is the third time a film shown at the AFF has garnered an Oscar nomination.
“In the Shadow of the Cypress ” is a beautifully realized film about the indomitable human spirit and the power of love and forgiveness. Told without dialogue, the story depicts a father and daughter unable to connect with one another due to his PTSD-triggered fits of rage, and how an unexpected crisis gives them an opportunity to find common purpose, and perhaps finally make peace. The film is the collaborative product of emerging Iranian filmmakers Shirin Sohani and Hossain Molayemi.
“We knew this film was something special as soon as we first screened it,” said Dara Sanders, AFF chair. “It is rare when a film composed entirely of animation and a minimal soundtrack is so compelling. That the filmmakers chose to submit their work to the AFF for its Virginia debut is a testament to our reputation for showcasing high quality films from around the region, around the world, and even from our own talented artists in Alexandria’s backyard.”
The 19th Alexandria Film Festival will be held Nov. 6 - 9.
