TEHRAN- The Iranian animated feature film “Juliet & the King” written, directed, and produced by Ashkan Rahgozar went on screen across Iran on Wednesday. 

In the 90-minute 2D family animation, Nasser-al-Din Shah, the Iranian king, gets an invitation to visit France. He loves Europe and he always takes the chance to visit there. While visiting a Romeo-Juliet play in Paris, the actress catches his eye. He falls in love with her so deeply that he asks her to perform the same play in Tehran, so he can impress her and win her heart.

Julie, the actress, decides to take this chance. With the help of her friend Jamal, she goes to perform in Iran, anticipating progress in her career. But she suddenly finds herself among jealous court ladies and the center of the king’s attention.

“Juliet & the King” is Rahgzar’s second animated feature produced in Hoorakhsh Studios after the mythic fantasy “The Last Fiction” (2018).

Blending a traditional Disney-style fairy tale with 19th-century Iran as its backdrop, the result is a compelling examination of cultural contrast. Set in the latter half of that century, this story offers Rahgozar’s interpretation of how Persian society once viewed the world. While times have certainly evolved, the themes explored remain relevant and thought-provoking.

The animated movie premiered at the 43rd Fajr Film Festival last year. It has participated in several international film festivals and has won six prestigious awards so far. 

SAB/