The feature film, The Legend of Goharan Land , stands as a monumental work in Iranian animated cinema, born from the acclaimed television series, Ario: The Little Hero. This production is highly celebrated for its creation of an entirely original, authentic Iranian legend, successfully blending deep-rooted folklore with a dynamic, modern heroic plot.
According to IBland, The genesis of this unique narrative and its high-quality production secured numerous national awards, cementing the status of The Legend of Goharan Land as a shining achievement for Parsima Cinematic Studio and the Saba Animation Center.
The Mythical City and the Stone of Power
The story of The Legend of Goharan Land unfolds in the fabled city of Goharan, named after a mystical stone. The city’s peace was founded centuries ago when the great champion Shirzad defeated the nefarious White Demon and recovered the Goharan Stone. This powerful artifact brought unparalleled power, prosperity, and happiness to the human inhabitants.
The sacred stone was securely kept in a special chamber within the ruler’s palace, its key symbolizing the perpetual vigilance of the ruler. For generations, this system worked perfectly, lulling the people into the false belief that the age of demons was definitively over. This is the delicate state of peace that introduces the main conflict of The Legend of Goharan Land.
Unbeknownst to the happy citizens, the vanquished demons were persistently plotting. They sought to reclaim the Goharan Stone, intending to exploit its immense magical power to regain their former glory and conquer the now-vulnerable human race. The safety of Goharan was thus built on a treacherous lie.
Ario’s Role in The Legend of Goharan Land
The central figure in The Legend of Goharan Land is Ario, a clever, curious, and mischievous young boy. Ario lives in Goharan with his mother and sister, Kamandgis, and works as an apprentice to Kachal Digi , the city’s renowned, yet deeply avaricious, pot-maker.
Kachal Digi’s greed had driven him into a secret, wicked pact with the demons. He was secretly crafting specialized flying pots for the demons in exchange for gold, aiding their planned invasion. It is Ario’s intelligence and curiosity that uncover this shocking betrayal. The core plot of The Legend of Goharan Land is set in motion when Ario desperately tries to warn the ruler and the public. His warnings, dismissed as childish fantasy due to the long-held belief that demons were extinct, tragically fall on deaf ears.
The Epic Quest to Recover the Stone
The demons, capitalizing on the ruler’s disbelief and Kachal Digi’s treachery, ultimately succeed in stealing the Goharan Stone. This theft instantly neutralizes the city’s magical defenses, plunging Goharan into chaos and terror as the demons occupy the land.
With the adults paralyzed by fear, the burden of liberation falls squarely on the young hero. Ario, demonstrating courage far beyond his years, gathers his loyal friends and embarks on a desperate quest into the demons’ territory. The primary mission that shapes the narrative of The Legend of Goharan Land is the retrieval of the sacred stone.
The adventure tests their courage and friendship, but Ario and his companions succeed in recovering the Goharan Stone. Their return sets the stage for a dramatic final confrontation against the demon occupiers. The climax of The Legend of Goharan Land sees the small band of children confronting the great evil, determined to restore the city’s happiness and freedom.
Acclaim and Legacy of The Legend of Goharan Land
The artistic and narrative quality of this animation, particularly its commitment to creating an original, compelling Iranian hero, earned the project widespread critical success.
While the foundation was laid by the Ario: The Little Hero television series, The Legend of Goharan Land (the film) achieved its own impressive accolades:
- Official Selection: Qualified for the “First Films” competition section of the 31st Fajr Film Festival.
- Screenplay Commendation: Recognized by the Association of Children and Youth Writers at the 27th International Film Festival for Children and Youth for its adventure-driven script.
- Best Film Award (Academic Criteria): Honored by Art University at the 27th International Film Festival for Children and Youth, confirming the high cinematic standards of The Legend of Goharan Land.
The production utilized a sophisticated hybrid animation technique, blending 2D and 3D computer graphics to create a dynamic and visually rich experience. This technical skill, combined with the powerful story written by Mohammad Boroumand and produced by Majid Shakeri, ensures that The Legend of Goharan Land remains an inspiration for Iranian animation and storytelling.
Source: nahaltv