The Iranian animation industry has produced several notable works, but few carry the weight of both artistic brilliance and profound, unfulfilled aspiration as The Heart Of Phoenix. Conceived and directed by the late Vahid Nasirian, this cinematic feature represents a significant, yet tragically unseen, milestone in the nation’s animated film history.
According to IBland, The production, which spanned several years, was a labour of love, weaving together the timeless narratives of the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) with a futuristic, heroic saga. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the birth of a hero under the protective shadow of the majestic Simorgh.
Filmmaking Journey: From Conception to Completion
The genesis of The Heart Of Phoenix began in 1386 (2007) and its main production ran until 1390 (2011), involving a dedicated team of 90 individuals. The initial data mentions the year of production start as 1389 (2010), but more detailed accounts indicate the overall effort, including pre-production, began earlier. This ambitious project aimed to elevate the standard of Iranian animated features. The core animation team included talents like Nima Dehkharghani, Mashhood Valian, Babak Tehrani, and Mahmoud Mirvahabi. Nasirian’s vision was clear: to create an epic, heroic work with a strong moral core. The sheer duration of the production; four years of intensive work; speaks volumes about the commitment of Nasirian and his crew.
Despite the hurdles, the film achieved early recognition, winning an award at the Fajr Music Festival in the year of its completion. This triumph underscored the quality of the film’s artistic and technical execution, particularly its musical score composed by Payam Azadi, with Fouad Hejazi as the artistic consultant for the music section.
Plot Summary: An Epic Tale of Rulers and Heroes
The narrative of The Heart Of Phoenix is set in a distant future where a devastating, all-encompassing war rages across the globe, engulfing all of humanity. Amidst this chaos, a man named Sepanta endeavors to rescue his pregnant wife, Minoo, leading her to a secluded cave; a sanctuary shielded by the mythical power of the Simorgh (the Iranian equivalent of the Phoenix). Their child, a daughter, is born in this haven and named Raha (meaning “free” or “liberated”).
The central conflict is ignited by the release of “Azhdahak” (a reference to Zahhak, the ancient, serpentine tyrant from the Shahnameh), who was previously imprisoned in Mount Damavand. Raha, having grown up under the Simorgh’s influence, eventually confronts this colossal evil. The film’s climax sees the small but mighty Raha challenging and ultimately defeating Azhdahak, becoming the savior of her land. The complete story of The Heart Of Phoenix is thus a masterful fusion of ancient Persian mythology and a compelling futuristic struggle for survival and freedom.
A Deep Dive into the Mythology of The Heart Of Phoenix
What truly sets The Heart Of Phoenix apart is its mythological foundation. The film is deeply rooted in the stories of the Shahnameh, specifically utilizing the potent symbolism of the Simorgh.
- The Simorgh: In Persian legend, the Simorgh is a benevolent, mythical bird of immense wisdom and power. It often serves as a guide or protector. In Nasirian’s vision, the Simorgh’s power is literally a shield, providing a sanctuary for the hero’s birth, symbolically nurturing Raha into a champion.
- Azhdahak (Zahhak): Representing an ancient, primordial evil, Azhdahak signifies a threat that transcends time; a cautionary tale against tyranny and devastation. His freedom from Damavand (a potent symbol of Iranian endurance and stability) emphasizes the gravity of the threat.
- The Hero’s Journey (Raha): Raha’s arc is a classic hero’s journey, but with a distinctly Iranian and feminine twist. Born of war and protected by myth, her small stature and eventual triumph over the monstrous Azhdahak reinforce the film’s underlying message that true strength comes from spirit and destiny, a concept central to the heroic epics of Persian culture.
The script, co-written by Vahid Nasirian, Mehdi Abouhashem, and Mohammad Reza Norouzi, successfully translates this complex tapestry of myth and futuristic setting into a coherent cinematic experience.
The Legacy of Vahid Nasirian and The Heart Of Phoenix
Vahid Nasirian (born 1350/1971 in Ahar) was a multi-talented artist: a graduate of Fine Arts from Tabriz, a painter, a screenwriter, and a prolific animation director. His extensive career included numerous solo and group painting exhibitions, illustrating 12 children’s books, and directing several acclaimed short animations such as Three Drops of Blood, Eternal Idol, Anti-Light, Hole, and Elsewhere.
Nasirian’s distinguished career was marked by numerous national and international awards, and he served as a juror for over 50 film and animation festivals. The Heart Of Phoenix was intended to be his magnum opus, the crowning achievement of his life’s work.
A significant element contributing to the film’s potential impact was its stellar voice cast, featuring some of Iran’s most respected actors:
- Dubbers: Hamid Farrokhnezhad, Reza Kianian, Parviz Pourhosseini, Elham Pavenejad, Amin Ghazi, Arezoo Afari, Alireza Taheri, and Vahid Nasirian himself.
- Dubbing Manager: Mehrdad Raeisi.
The involvement of such high-calibre artists, particularly cinematic veterans like Kianian and Pourhosseini, signaled the serious artistic intent behind The Heart Of Phoenix, elevating it beyond a typical animated feature.
The Unfulfilled Dream of a Cinematic Release
Perhaps the most heart-breaking chapter in the story of The Heart Of Phoenix is its struggle for exhibition. Despite its completion, its award recognition, and its high production value (being co-produced by the Documentary and Experimental Film Center and Vahid Nasirian), the film was unable to secure a widespread theatrical release in Iran.
The initial source mentions its projected screening in 1396 (2017), but other records indicate that for years, the film remained largely unseen by the public. This lack of exposure prevented the film from receiving the wider recognition it undoubtedly deserved.
Tragically, Vahid Nasirian passed away on Mordad 5, 1396 (July 27, 2017). He died with the profound, unfulfilled wish of seeing his masterpiece, The Heart Of Phoenix, finally premiered on the big screen. This poignant detail adds a layer of sorrow to the film’s narrative, turning the animated epic into a real-life artistic tragedy.
The Heart Of Phoenix is often cited by those familiar with Iranian animation as a work that, with proper promotion and distribution, could have garnered significant national and international acclaim. Its strong content and deep cultural roots made it a powerful contender. It truly was an animation that deserved more attention.
Conclusion: Honouring a Masterpiece
The Heart Of Phoenix stands today as a testament to the vision, resilience, and talent of Vahid Nasirian and his team. It is a cinematic creation that masterfully blends Persian mythology with a modern heroic framework, offering a tale of hope and courage that resonates universally. While the full scope of Nasirian’s masterpiece remains largely obscured, the legacy of The Heart Of Phoenix persists; a symbol of artistic dedication and a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within Iranian animation. We honour the memory of Vahid Nasirian and celebrate the enduring artistic value of The Heart Of Phoenix.
Source: plaza