Director: Ashkan Rahgozar
Cast: Leila Hatami, Parviz Parastouei, Hamed Behdad, Ashkan Khatibi, Akbar Zanjanpour
The Last Fiction is a 2019 Iranian animated fantasy film directed by Ashkan Rahgozar, adapted from the ancient Persian epic the Shahnameh. Iran's first fully domestically produced animated feature, it retells mythological tales of kings, demons, and heroes in a visually striking hand-drawn style that stands apart from anything previously made in Iranian cinema.
What is The Last Fiction about?
Set against the mythological world of ancient Persia, the story follows legendary figures drawn from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh as they contend with cosmic forces of good and evil. A powerful king finds his realm threatened by darkness, and warriors must rise to face enemies both mortal and supernatural. The film weaves together threads of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice as the fate of a civilization hangs in the balance — all rendered through the lens of Iran's oldest and most beloved literary tradition. The narrative stays true to the epic's spirit without reducing it to a simple adventure, preserving its moral complexity.
Cast & crew
Director Ashkan Rahgozar led a remarkable voice cast: Leila Hatami and Baran Kosari, two of Iranian cinema's most acclaimed actresses, join Parviz Parastouei, Hamed Behdad, Ashkan Khatibi, Akbar Zanjanpour, Banipal Shoomoon, and Farrokh Nemati. Their performances lend genuine weight and texture to characters rooted in centuries of Persian storytelling.
Context & significance
For the Iranian diaspora, The Last Fiction carries a significance beyond entertainment. The Shahnameh — Ferdowsi's eleventh-century epic — is the cornerstone of Persian cultural identity, preserving the language and mythology of pre-Islamic Iran for generations scattered across the globe. Seeing those legends rendered in animation, in Persian voices, is a rare experience. This film arrived at a moment when Iranian animation had long been constrained by limited resources; its completion was itself a cultural milestone. Diaspora audiences who grew up hearing Shahnameh stories from grandparents will find the film a moving and visually rewarding encounter with shared heritage.
Where & how to watch
The Last Fiction is available on K-Time with original Persian audio. Watch on your browser, TV, or phone — no extra download, no VPN, and no geo-blocking. Start your membership and cancel anytime.