Iranian Shorts for Tots

Based on fables and folktales, four incredibly diverse wordless animated shorts from Iran follow plants and animals on beautiful and humorous adventures of discovery. A young girl discovers nature in Kaya, the live-action American short that opens the program. The Iranian films are Sweet Story (Mohammad Reza Abedi, 1995; 14 mins. ), Companion (Ali Asgharzadeh, 1994; 15 mins.), The Flower, the Bird and the Sun (Bahram Javaheri, 2001; 11 mins.), and Shangoul and Mangoul (Farkhondeh Torabi & Morteza Ahadi, 2000; 17 mins.). Sweet Story celebrates the generous spirit of an elderly woodcutter who saves a magical crane. The Flower, the Bird, and the Sun explores the magical interdependence of animals, plants, and the sun. All the films are Columbus premieres.

In the live-action Kaya, a young girl discovers the eternal beauty and companionship of nature. (Nicole Torre, USA, 2002, 3 mins.)

Please note: If you would like to discuss the specifics of any film before viewing it with your child, please call Shelly Casto, educator for school and family programs, at (614) 688-3986.


series support credits

Presented by Cardinal Health and the Ohio Arts Council.

Education season presented by Bank One.

Season support for film/video provided by the Rohauer Collection Foundation and the Corporate Annual Fund of the Wexner Center Foundation.


series special thanks

Special thanks to Kenny S. Kwak, Kenny & Co. Entertainment; Sara Duran, Walt Disney Pictures; Placida Romero, Disney Channel; Tim Lanza, Douris Corporation; Anna Lehmann, First Run Features; Marie Bonnel, Cultural Services of the French Embassy, New York City; and Francesca Breccia, Media Luna Entertainment.