Evaluating the current state of animation in Iran, identifying its challenges, and providing recommendations to leverage the cultural and economic potential of the animation sector
Abstract
Today, animation is not only an artistic activity at the individual level but also, through mass production in the form of series and films for entertainment, advertising, and educational purposes, constitutes a significant part of the creative and cultural industries. This has led to the emergence of new forms of economic relationships based on digital technologies, known as the creative economy. However, the animation industry in Iran faces numerous challenges and has yet to reach a desirable position. Therefore, to address these challenges, it is necessary to identify the industry’s shortcomings and propose effective solutions.
Animation in Iran
Iranian animation has limited international visibility and remains smaller compared to live-action cinema. Most productions are TV series, followed by short/experimental, advertising, and educational animations. Since the 1990s, studio and team formation has increased. Men dominate the industry, but women’s presence is notable. About 60% of production staff hold bachelor’s degrees, with only 37% in animation-related fields.
Diagnosis of the Current Challenges in Iran’s Animation Industry
- Low Financial Support: Government and private funding is minimal, far below global production costs.
- Lack of Marketing & Distribution: Many works remain archived after limited screenings due to absent marketing systems.
- Weak Production Networks: Studios focus on content creation for specific clients, lacking expertise in market analysis, distribution, and value-chain commercialization.
- Talent Migration: Skilled professionals are leaving for better-paying opportunities abroad, reducing the industry’s experienced workforce.
Proposals to Leverage the Cultural and Economic Potential of Animation in Iran
- Organize outsourcing to transform individual experiences into national achievements and avoid reliance solely on the service economy.
- Utilize animation’s high capacity for producing diverse, creative content that surpasses the limitations of live-action films.
- Build parental trust through careful selection and strict quality supervision of domestic and foreign content.
This study was conducted at Islamic Parliament Research Center Of The Islamic Republic Of IRAN in collaboration with Ebrahim Gholampour Ahangar, and Fatemeh Hosseini Shakib in 2022.
To read more, click here
