According to Naser Jahednia, CEO of the National Animation Foundation of Iran, the city of Mashhad has firmly established itself as one of the leading centers of Iranian animation, both in terms of production capacity and national influence.
Mashhad: A Key Player in Iranian Animation
According to IBland’s News, speaking on the transformation of the animation industry in Iran, Jahednia highlighted Mashhad’s pivotal role in the national animation scene. He emphasized that Mashhad’s animation sector has evolved from a niche artistic activity into a formal, stable industry.
“Not long ago, a career in animation was seen as an unattainable dream,” he said. “Today, families recognize it as a viable and respected profession.”
A significant portion of Iran’s animated content; both for television and cinema; is now produced in Mashhad, underscoring the city’s creative and economic value in this growing industry.
Regional Success and Expanding Market Reach
Jahednia pointed to the broader evolution of Iranian animation, which has now entered a new phase; economically and culturally. He expressed hope that in the next one to two years, Iran will be recognized as a major animation hub in the region.
The CEO noted that Iranian animated films are no longer limited to domestic screens. Many now experience successful theatrical releases across the Middle East, the Persian Gulf region, and CIS countries, indicating growing international demand.
“Mashhad plays a leading role in this movement, both through independent productions and by contributing to national projects with local studios,” he explained.
Moving Beyond State Investment
The growing momentum of Iranian animation owes much to technological advancement, including the use of artificial intelligence, which has streamlined the production process and reduced common industry frustrations.
Jahednia emphasized the need for a diversified investment model. While government support remains vital, he advocated for a shift toward broader financial participation; particularly from the private sector and innovation-focused funds.
“We’re building bridges between private investors, government bodies, and support funds like the Innovation and Prosperity Fund,” he noted. “With short-term financial assistance, many studios can scale and deliver within 8 to 12 months.”
Toward a Sustainable Animation Economy
As Iranian animation continues to mature, Jahednia believes the industry is moving from its “seedling stage” into a full-fledged, self-sustaining economic sector. He predicts that in the next 2 to 3 years, the impact of these efforts will become even more visible; positioning Iranian animation as a cultural and economic force both domestically and regionally.
Source: Shahraranews