The Iranian animated film Amin and Akvan animation stands out as a charming and insightful musical production that delves into themes of ethics, business, and social responsibility. Directed and written by Zohal Razavi and produced by Mehdi Saffarpour, the film was originally completed in 2017. Although it faced release delays, it eventually reached audiences through high-quality platforms and was met with significant public acclaim, securing its place among the best Iranian animated features.
According to IBland, Amin and Akvan animation is a vibrant cinematic work that builds upon the foundation of classic Iranian literature, notably drawing inspiration from the story “Mard-o-Namard” by the late Mehdi Azar Yazdi. This framing allows the film to present contemporary life lessons within a nostalgic, classic setting.
Key details about the film include:
- Year of Production: 2017
- Director/Writer: Zohal Razavi
- Producer: Mehdi Saffarpour
- IMDb Score: 6.0
- Genre: Musical/Social Drama
- Runtime: 76 minutes
- Target Audience: Children aged 10 and older, though enjoyable for all.
The Journey Begins: Two Paths Diverge in a New City
The central premise of Amin and Akvan animation revolves around the stark contrast between its two main characters, Amin and Akvan, who are fellow townsmen. They decide to leave their old lives behind and embark on a sea voyage to a new city, seeking better opportunities.
Amin is introduced as a kind-hearted and hardworking barber, embodying diligence and honesty. He believes in earning money through honest effort. Akvan, on the other hand, is envious, greedy, and opportunistic, preferring to gain wealth without genuine toil. The story quickly establishes this moral dichotomy. Akvan exploits Amin’s good nature, spending his friend’s money and even deceiving him.
The journey of Amin and Akvan animation effectively uses the new city as a stage to illustrate the immediate consequences of good and bad deeds. In their new environment, good intentions, effort, and perseverance quickly bear fruit, while malice and shortcuts lead to immediate retribution.
Upon arriving, Amin quickly sets up a barber shop. He becomes famous for his reasonable prices and, notably, his use of soap for shaving; a novelty in the town. Meanwhile, Akvan, an experienced dyer who is also on the run from the ruler of his previous city, secures permission from the local governor to establish his own dye workshop, aiming to introduce diverse colors to the monochrome city. To finance his venture, Akvan borrows money from the trusting Amin. Fearing that Amin might expose his past to the new governor, Akvan threatens Amin and severs their partnership.
The Business Battlefield: Innovation vs. Monopolies
Left penniless, Amin seeks new avenues for income. He approaches the city’s main merchant to buy soap in bulk to expand his business. However, discovering the merchant sells soap at exorbitant prices, effectively making it a luxury item, Amin decides to take matters into his own hands. This pivotal moment shifts the focus of Amin and Akvan animation toward economic principles and entrepreneurial spirit.
With the help of a playful young boy and his mother, Amin successfully starts manufacturing his own soap and sells it at a much lower, fairer price. Pleased with Amin’s dedication and contribution to public welfare, the Governor rewards him with the management of the city’s new public bathhouse and an apothecary shop.
The rising competition from Amin incenses both the greedy merchant and the envious Akvan. They unite, plotting Amin’s downfall. Their scheme involves poisoning the Governor with nettle venom during his inspection of the new bathhouse, aiming to frame Amin and have him banished.
Though they succeed initially, and the Governor sends Amin back to his original city, their victory is short-lived. A pigeon-flying boy, who had witnessed Akvan secretly pouring the poison, testifies to the truth. Amin is exonerated and returns to the city, while Akvan and the merchant receive their just punishment. The Amin and Akvan animation thus provides a clear moral compass for its young audience.
Deepening the Narrative: An Economic Case Study
Beyond the surface plot, Amin and Akvan animation possesses a surprisingly complex subtext. Many viewers and critics noted that the film, once stripped of its musical sequences, functions as a serious narrative on management and economics; a potential case study for business owners.
The film brilliantly highlights several business principles:
- Adaptation to New Markets: Amin and Akvan quickly realize that the economic conditions of the new city are vastly different from their previous one. This provides a crucial lesson for entrepreneurs: entering a new market requires adapting to the local culture and consumer behavior.
- Resistance to Innovation: The film vividly portrays the resistance of traditional businesses to new ideas. The conservative dyers refuse to produce colorful fabrics because it is more expensive, preferring to maintain their monochrome monopoly. Their fear of losing market share to Akvan’s innovative ideas mirrors real-world challenges faced by startups when dealing with established industries. They even offer Akvan unemployment compensation just to keep him out of the market, a powerful scene illustrating the lengths monopolies go to protect their interests.
- The Power of Knowledge-Based Business: Amin’s decision to manufacture soap using his knowledge, rather than submitting to the high-priced merchant, underscores the value of innovation and specialized knowledge (akin to modern knowledge-based companies) in overcoming established economic power. He engages in local marketing and perseverance, refusing to bend to monopolistic pressure.
- Market Dynamics: The film touches on pricing strategies, as Akvan’s initial act of selling dyed fabrics at a significantly lower price leads to accusations of “dumping” (selling below cost to capture the market), a controversial tactic seen in modern online businesses. Amin’s subsequent attempt to explain to the merchant that lower prices lead to higher sales volume and ultimately greater profit is met with resistance; a clear visual representation of economic short-sightedness.
International Recognition and Technical Achievements
Despite a limited budget, which resulted in graphics not fully matching top global standards, Amin and Akvan animation earned international respect. It was selected for prestigious events such as the Junior Fest Festival in the Czech Republic and the Hanoi Festival in Vietnam. The film was also expected to attend the Kolkata Animation Festival in India.
The attention from international judges, including John Stevenson, director of the renowned Kung Fu Panda, was particularly noteworthy. Stevenson praised Amin and Akvan animation for its compelling story, especially considering it was produced by a small team under difficult, limited circumstances. He expressed hope that the film would gain more recognition in artistic circles; a testament to the power of strong storytelling overcoming technical limitations.
Director Zohal Razavi, a respected figure in Iranian animation (known for Dashte Tameshk and The Crows), views Amin and Akvan animation as a significant step forward, yet she has openly lamented the lack of support for the animation industry in Iran, stating, “When there is no support, any work faces many hardships and problems, and alas, animation receives little backing.” Nonetheless, the film’s engaging plot and musical format have made it one of the most-watched Iranian animated features.
Amin and Akvan animation successfully blends an engaging adventure with essential moral and economic lessons, making it a valuable and entertaining watch for families. The unique narrative structure and strong ethical undercurrent distinguish Amin and Akvan animation from its peers. The success and international recognition of Amin and Akvan animation highlight its cultural importance.
Source: plaza