Benar Animation Studio’s film, Scotty, will make its debut at Cannes International Film Festival today, the culmination of 6 years’ work by more than 300 concept artists, art designers, animators and CGI engineers from all over the world directed by innovative filmmaker, Mohammad Pirzadi.
The captivating 80-minute film, an emotional adventure for all ages, is the story of a traumatised street cat whose adventure through the chaos of the city leads him to discover that home is not just a place, it’s about the friendships we choose to build. Scotty, the street-smart yet solitary cat, confronts danger, learns to trust others, and ultimately reshapes his life. His warm animated adventure redefines the meaning of home while exploring universal themes of grief, resilience, belonging and friendship.
“Scotty isn’t just a story about a stray cat; it’s about all of us who might have felt lost, betrayed, or abandoned at some point in life,” Pirzadi stated. “It’s about choosing to face your fears and opening your heart again, even when it feels impossible.”
The independently produced animation pushes boundaries by highlighting the unique abilities of smaller studios to tackle profound themes with creativity and nuance. Its stunning visuals and a compelling narrative invite viewers to laugh, cry, and reflect on the meaning of friendship and belonging.
In a world heavy with unseen wounds, Ali Noori Oskouei, renowned Iranian producer, director, and Grand Prize winner at SICAF, sees Scotty as more than a film. As consulting producer, he believes that in a world where countless children and adults face trauma and depression, the film charts a rare course – an animation that entertains the heart while quietly comforting the soul.
Scotty is now ready for release. According to the film’s producer, HamidReza Ghouchani, it has already received strong offers from several international distributors. Negotiations are currently underway to design the best global journey for the film, with final decisions to be announced soon at Cannes 2025, and Benar Animation Studio has signed UK based EMC productions to manage PR.
Heart fact: The studio office was set next to an animal shelter so animators could go there to watch and learn from rescued cats every day.
