News & Reports

Save the Earth! The Minister of the Environment Award – Damji (from Iran)

Very Shorts Program

Directed by Nazanin Chitsaz

Review by Laura MacGregor

In the director’s words, “Damji tells the story of a critical environmental issue – the drying of lakes, including Lake Urmia in Iran – through the eyes of children.” It starts with one young boy – and a cup at a time. In earnest, he fills bucket after bucket full of water and delivers it by bicycle to the nearly extinct lake. The word spreads and soon a small tribe of boys join him. Slowly, the lake returns. Shot beautifully in black and white, the story told in less than two minutes is a strong message for us all: every little bit helps.

Damji

Winner of the 2025 Minister of the Environment Award – award presented at SSFF&Asia 2025 on June 5.

See the report here:

https://www.shortshorts.org/2025/en/news-reports/【環境の日に、ショートフィルムで考える地球の/

Animation Program Competition 9  Eiru

Online screening June 12-30, 2025

dir. Giovanna Ferrari

Review by Laura MacGregor

If you have seen The Secret of Kells (2009), you are in for an encore. If not, you are in for a treat. A young girl volunteers to save her clan from perishing after an enemy clan steals something they hold precious. Using the words from the writer Diarmuid Lyng, we follow Eiru deep into the earth on an adventure of her life. Enjoy the colorful animation as you watch this delightful story unfold.

An award-winning film and directorial debut from Cartoon Saloon, which also produced Kells.

Éiru