UAE animation film to premiere at Cannes

UAE’s home production Bilal will mark its world premiere at Cannes next month. Produced by Dubai-based animation and visual effects studio Barajoun Entertainment, the film will open the Animation Day at Cannes Film Festival.

Produced with a budget of USD 30m, Bilal has been in the making for more than three years now and is ready for worldwide release, according to Producer Ayman Jamal.

Commenting on the film, Jamal said: “We are glad to have a league of the best talents and actors in the world contributing to our film. As a new animation company we are fully aware that we have to bypass a lot of obstacles to prove our capabilities in this area. Choosing the most talented actors who are able to lend their voices for complex and multi-dimensional figures has contributed to our success to re-imagine this historical epic that although the story took place in the past. The challenge was to bring the hero to life.”

He added: “‘Barajoun’ was born out of great passion for storytelling, art and innovative technologies, bringing to life enchanting stories and lovable characters. We set up the first animation studio of its kind in the Middle East with a goal to contribute to the development of the filmmaking industry in the region, but there was simply nothing on this level to fulfil the pipeline to produce a full animation movie”.

Cannes Film Festival may be a magnet for paparazzi and A-list Hollywood celebrities, but its prime purpose is to serve as one of the most prestigious platforms to showcase new films and to promote the world’s most promising up-and-coming directors, producers, and screenwriters.

Barajoun was also awarded Innovative Production of the Year at ASBU Presents BroadcastPro Selevision Awards.