The jury at Insomnia described The Route as a film marked by “ruthless psychology and a relentless pursuit of dramatic experiments.” These words underline the qualities that have made the film stand out from the very beginning of its festival journey: its uncompromising depiction of a dystopian reality, its unique narrative structure, and its haunting psychological impact.

Set in a bleak and dystopian world, The Route follows the story of a truck driver assigned with a harrowing task—transporting condemned prisoners to their execution. At first, he distances himself from the brutality of his job, suppressing his emotions as a survival mechanism. But one pivotal night forces him to confront the very reality he has long tried to ignore. The film resonates deeply with audiences for its exploration of dehumanization, moral responsibility, and the psychological toll of violence.

By receiving this distinction, The Route confirms its position as one of the most daring independent animated films of recent years, earning praise not only from juries but also from audiences and filmmakers around the globe.

Recognition Across the International Stage

The award at Insomnia follows a remarkable trajectory of international recognition for The Route. The film has already been showcased at several major festivals:

• Animafest Zagreb 2024, one of the oldest and most prestigious animation festivals in the world.
  
• Tehran International Short Film Festival, where it reached large audiences in its home country.
• Seoul Indie-AniFest, a leading Asian platform for independent and experimental animation.
• Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025, where it was selected as one of only 26 finalists from nearly 1,000 submissions across 70 countries.

   

At each of these stops, The Route impressed both juries and audiences with its uncompromising vision and powerful storytelling. Notably, Michael Dudok de Wit, the Academy Award-winning director of Father and Daughter and The Red Turtle, as well as the acclaimed British animator Phil Mulloy, have praised the film’s originality and artistic courage.

This recognition from established figures in the animation industry further cements The Route’s place as a standout work of contemporary animation.

Just earlier this year, The Route was officially selected for the main competition at Spain’s Imaxinaria Animation Festival 2025, one of Europe’s leading platforms for independent and non-commercial animation. The back-to-back selection at Imaxinaria and award at Insomnia demonstrates the film’s growing global presence and reinforces its appeal to both European and international audiences.

As the film continues its journey across festivals, its reputation expands beyond borders, contributing to ongoing conversations about the role of animation in addressing complex social and ethical issues.

Beyond its compelling narrative, The Route is also a testament to the creative strength of independent filmmaking. Babak Beigi not only wrote and directed the short but also took charge of animation, character design, storyboard, editing, and compositing. His personal dedication is evident in every frame of the film.

The production was a collaborative effort supported by Saarang Film and The Big Studios, two companies committed to fostering daring and innovative voices in contemporary cinema. Raha Zandieh, Pouria Khalaj Tehrani, and Babak Beigi served as producers, ensuring the project’s vision remained uncompromised from start to finish.

Together, they have created a work that combines powerful storytelling, evocative soundscapes, and striking visuals.As The Route continues its festival journey, anticipation grows about what comes next for the film. With multiple high-profile selections and now an award from Insomnia, the short is poised to leave a lasting impact on both audiences and critics.

Its exploration of the psychological toll of violence and the moral choices individuals face in dehumanizing systems makes The Route not just a film of the moment, but one with enduring relevance.

CREDITS

Director & Writer: Babak Beigi
Producers: Raha Zandieh, Pouria Khalaj Tehrani, Babak Beigi
Background Designer: Denag Malekkian
Sound Design: Zohreh Aliakbari
Music: Tohid Foroozan
Character Design, Storyboard, Animation, Compositing & Editing: Babak Beigi