TEHRAN -- Iranian animated short film Kargoosh (Deaf Ear), directed by Reza Sarbakhsh and Ali Jamali Motlagh, has received two special mentions at the 14th Puerto Madryn International Film Festival (MAFICI) in Argentina, recognizing its achievement in animation and cinematography.
The film received a Special Mention in the Animated Short Film category, as well as a Special Mention for cinematography at the festival, whose 2026 awards were announced on Sunday, November 1.
The official MAFICI awards results confirm both recognitions, listing Kargoosh among the specially mentioned films in the animation competition and naming Reza Sarbakhsh for a cinematography special mention in the animated short film category. Produced using traditional under-camera cut-out animation, Kargoosh explores the challenges faced by children in contemporary society.
The latest recognition adds to the film’s growing presence on the international animation festival circuit.
According to the filmmakers’ announcement, Kargoosh is also participating in competitions and receiving nominations at several international events, including the Philadelphia Animation Festival in the United States, the Bay Film Festival in the United Kingdom, the 38th Girona Film Festival in Spain, the Puerto Rico International Film Festival and the Ahmedabad International Children’s Film Festival in India.
The film’s participation in the Philadelphia Animation Festival
is confirmed by the festival’s official program, which lists it in a family-friendly animation screening. It is also included in the 2026 program of the Puerto Rico International Film Festival.
The 38th Girona Film Festival is scheduled to take place from November 10 to 14, 2026.
Kargoosh has previously received several awards and recognitions, including Best Animated Film at the International Children and Youth Film Festival, AnimFest in Greece and the Chamin Film Festival in France. It has also received a Special Mention at the Hastings Rocks Film Festival in the United Kingdom, according to the film’s announcement.
The short film has also been selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s PÖFF Shorts 2026, where it is included in the Shorts Kids Animation Competition. Its selection is confirmed in the festival’s official programme.
The filmmakers have also reported a selection at the Melbourne International Film Festival, another event with an established pathway for short films seeking Academy Awards and BAFTA recognition.
Both PÖFF Shorts and the Melbourne International Film Festival have qualifying programs, but selection alone does not guarantee Oscar or BAFTA eligibility. Eligibility depends on the applicable award categories and, in relevant cases, winning the designated qualifying award.
The final results of the film’s reported awards-qualification campaigns are expected by late December, according to the original announcement.
With its growing international festival presence and recognition in Argentina, Kargoosh is bringing further attention to Iranian animation and the work of its independent filmmakers.