At the 37th Isfahan International Festival for Children and Youth Films, Anas Ehsan, a prominent Iraqi animator and director, delivered a powerful message: Artificial intelligence has no place in character design if we aim to preserve creativity.
According to Ibland’s news, speaking at his workshop titled “Authentic Characters in Animation“, Ehsan emphasized the importance of originality in animated storytelling. The event took place on October 6, 2025, at the University of Applied Sciences – Isfahan City Center Campus, on the third day of the festival.
Character Design Is About Imagination, Not Algorithms
“AI in animation might be fast, but it robs artists of the creative process,” said Ehsan. He argued that designing a weak character on your own is far more valuable than producing a flawless one using artificial intelligence.
Citing icons like Superman, Spider-Man, and Cinderella, he explained how major media studios carefully protect and develop their characters over time. These figures have not only monetary value but also deep cultural and emotional significance.
Digital vs. Classic Animation: A Matter of Soul
Anas Ehsan also discussed the artistic gap between 3D digital characters created from data and motion sensors and those drawn in classic animation. “Technology lacks soul,” he said. “It’s the director’s vision and the animator’s pen that breathe life into a character.”
He emphasized how animation removes the physical limitations of realism, allowing for symbolic exaggeration, such as oversized heads or oddly shaped bodies; tools that help convey emotion and narrative in powerful ways.
A Symbol of Life: The Butterfly and the Festival
Ehsan praised the butterfly emblem of the Isfahan Children’s Film Festival, calling it a perfect symbol for movement, vitality, and imagination. “If I were to design a logo for this event, it would have been exactly the same,” he remarked.
Why Animation Characters Last Longer Than Live Action Ones
In his view, animation holds an unmatched advantage in storytelling. “Unlike live action, animation allows you to express absolutely anything you imagine,” Ehsan said, recalling his experience creating the film “Never”, in which none of the characters speak. The protagonist was designed without a mouth; an intentional move to tell the story visually rather than through dialogue.
Photography Skills Matter in Animation
He also touched on the importance of photography techniques in animation; understanding camera movement, lens selection, lighting, and color grading are all essential to conveying believable motion and emotion in animated films.
Why Shrek Is His Favorite Character
When asked about his favorite animated character, Ehsan named Shrek, praising the character’s unique combination of ugliness and charm. “No one imagined that a green ogre could become so loved,” he said. “Shrek’s contrast between rough appearance and kind heart makes him unforgettable.”
AI in Animation: A Dangerous Shortcut
Ending his session with a direct warning, Ehsan stated unequivocally: “Don’t use AI in animation character design. It kills your creativity. Your effort matters more than perfection. Even a flawed character made by hand has soul; AI lacks that.”
The 37th Isfahan International Festival for Children and Youth Films continues until October 8, 2025, under the direction of Hamed Jafari, showcasing works across national, international, and special sections.
Source: Mehrnews