Directed by Michel Ocelot, 2006. 99 min.
Voices by Cyril Mourali, Karim M’Riba, Hiam Abbass, Sofia Boutella, and Patrick Timsit, among others.
In French & Arabic with English subtitles
Once upon a time there were two children nursed by the same woman: Azur, the blond blue-eyed son of a nobleman, and Asmar, the dark skinned child of the nurse. One day, Azur’s father cruelly separates them. Some years later, Azur sets out to a land far away to find the nurse and Asmar. Reunited, the young men compete against each other while on a quest to rescue a fairy.
Gorgeous and mesmerizing, this critically acclaimed film by French animation legend Michel Ocelot eschews computer-generated imagery. It render a storybook-style animation that never stops delighting with its ornamental detail, range of color and exotic story. Engaging and beautiful, Azur & Asmar is a persuasive and elegant tale with a strong message about tolerance, respect for women and the need for compassion.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Michel Ocelot.
Note: Students not fluent in French will need to be able to read subtitles
