Abuelas (Grandmothers)
(9 minutes)  Argentina/UK

Director: Afarin Eghbal
Producer: Kasia Malipan

Description:
In a small apartment in Buenos Aires, an old woman eagerly awaits the birth of her grandchild and all the joys of becoming a grandmother. However, horrific circumstances force her to wait over thirty years. Grandmothers explores the traumatic ramifications of General Videla’s military dictatorship in Argentina from 1976–1983, whereby an estimated 30,000 men, women and children “disappeared.” Using real-life testimonials from members of the “Grandmothers of May Square,” this animated documentary raises issues of memory and loss. The film is testament to the extraordinary tenacity of these women who continue fighting for the truth about their missing relatives.

Biography:
Iranian-born, Afarin Eghbal moved to London as a baby with her family following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. She graduated with first-class honors in graphic design from the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s College in 2007. Since then, she has accumulated various awards and prizes for works she has directed, including the well-reputed Kodak Commercial Awards, where in 2007 she won three prizes including Overall Winner. In 2006, she won a paid internship at Framestore-CFC, and in 2009 she won the AHRC Scholarship. Afarin aims to bridge the gap between animation and documentary, using mixed media to explore complex social and political issues through non-polemic narrative.

Contact Information:
E-mail: afarin1e1@gmail.com
Web site: www.afarin.co.uk/#!abuelas