FILKOOL

Directors:

Writers:

Maral Forouzesh, Naser Rezaeiyan

Maral Forouzesh

Producers:

Naser Rezaeiyan

Run Time:

0:07:28

Awarded for the following Category(s):

Awarded Category(s)

The story is about a big, different creature named FILKOOL who doesn’t fit in his house. Everyone tries to change him, until a child with Down syndrome enters and shows in a simple and unique way that he doesn’t need to change. The animation depicts the characters’ movements with the real calmness and slowness of children with Down syndrome. The work is based on the drawings of my brother MAZDAK, who has Down syndrome, and we have been creating different worlds together for years. All the voice actors in this animation are people with Down syndrome.

Submitter Statement

MARAL FOROUZESH | FILKOOL Animation

This animation is more than just a story; it’s a reflection of my life. A heartfelt narrative shaped by years of living alongside my brother, who has Down Syndrome—a perspective that has not only defined my art but also given meaning to the path of my life.

I’m not just an illustrator or a director. I’m a sister who has grown up beside MAZDAK, whose presence has filled my world with light, creativity, and wonder.

What others might see as an artistic project has become a way of life for me—a way of seeing, understanding, and living with love and respect for differences.

The character of FILKOOL was born from MAZDAK’s drawings. Even the name came from him—it’s what he used to call me as a child.

The story is about a kind, gentle, and different creature who doesn’t quite fit into the usual molds. People try to help by changing him, but in doing so, they unintentionally cause harm. Until one day, a child with Down Syndrome enters the picture—not to change him, but to see him, accept him, and in that acceptance, create magic.

Every voice in this animation belongs to a child with Down Syndrome. These voices are raw, real, and full of light. They breathe soul into every character and bring the world of FILKOOL to life in a way that no other voice could.

This film is my attempt to give life to drawings that may appear simple at first glance but hold entire universes of emotion, imagination, and dreams within them.

I see myself merely as a messenger—someone who has lovingly carried these drawings from MAZDAK’s sketchbooks onto the screen.

With FILKOOL I want to say:

We don’t need to change one another to be together. We just need to see, to understand, and to accept—exactly as we are.

And maybe, when the story ends, a small light will remain in your heart—a light that is quiet, but true.

MARAL FOROUZESH is an Iranian illustrator, Graphic Designer, and Animation Director. She has been working professionally in the field of illustration for several years and has developed a unique artistic style that combines the paintings of her brother, MAZDAK — who has Down Syndrome — with her own illustrations. This magical fusion creates a poetic and imaginative world filled with characters and narratives that convey themes of diversity, empathy, and creativity.

MARAL is the founder of the international art project “ROUTE 47,” which aims to empower individuals with Down Syndrome through art. The project includes creative workshops, collecting and showcasing their artworks, and organizing dedicated exhibitions in various countries. ROUTE 47 is a movement to recognize these amazing children as independent, talented, and inspiring artists.

Her work has received multiple international recognitions, including:

ART AWARDS:

• Winner of Bologna Illustration Festival, Italy / 2025

• Winner of Moscow Illustration Festival, Russia / 2025

• Finalist of Belgrade Illustration Festival, Serbia / 2025

• Finalist of the 6th Golden Panda Illustration Festival China / 2024

• Finalist of Bologna Illustration Festival, Italy / 2024

• Finalist of Foreign Art Exhibition at Vienna Blockchain Week / 2024

• Finalist of NFT Exhibition Bali / 2024

• Finalist of Golden Pen Illustration Biennial Belgrade, Serbia / 2023 - 2025

• Winner of Sharjah Illustration Festival, Dubai / 2023

• Finalist of Singapore Illustration Festival / 2023

• Finalist of Cow Illustration Festival - Ukraine / 2020

• Selected artist at the Cow International Biennale of Illustration, Ukraine 2020

• Winner of Special Jury Prize of China Golden Panda Illustration Festival / 2018

MARAL’s artistic techniques include collage, digital painting, and animation. Through her work, she opens a window into the unique and colorful world of children with Down Syndrome — inviting audiences to see the beauty in difference and the power of imagination.

Key Cast

Other Credits