Shahr-e Gorbeh-ha (City of Cats) is a film written and directed by Seyed Javad Hashemi, currently screening in theaters. The film targets children and adolescents and, steering clear of common clichés in children’s cinema, tells a fresh and engaging story.
It appears that Seyed Javad Hashemi, in this new directorial experience, is seeking a new form of storytelling. One of the first noticeable elements is the use of visual effects, particularly the animated cat, who is one of the key characters in the film—an aspect that adds a significant layer of appeal.
The performances of all the actors are cohesive and serve the story well, with Amin Zendegani standing out, especially because his role challenges the audience’s preconceived notions of him—a major advantage. The presence of Maryam Saadat as “Sefid” and Farhad Aeesh as the “Scientist” also engages adult viewers. Meanwhile, the burden of humor and verbal wit is carried beautifully by Amir Ghafarmehsh.
The film’s potential weak point may lie in the screenplay: some dialogue and verbal jokes are more understandable to adults than children, making it harder for younger audiences to fully grasp. Additionally, in the second half, the lack of narrative momentum and some repetition—especially for viewers familiar with the first installment (City of Cats 1)—can feel tiring. However, the editor has skillfully mitigated this issue with precision and care, which, in my view, stands out as the film’s most important and notable strength.
In City of Cats 2, the editing serves the work, maintaining a lively rhythm and playing a crucial role in smoothing the story. It aligns the pacing and tempo with the film’s form while avoiding overloading the audience visually or aurally. Manouchehr Sanayi, the editor of City of Cats—who also edited the first installment—undoubtedly stands out as one of the film’s key assets. This young editor is currently also working on the series Tank Khoroha, directed by Parviz Sheikh Tadi, which is airing now.
Ultimately, despite the scarcity of children’s and youth cinema today, City of Cats, with all its shortcomings, remains an important film in the current cinematic landscape.