Annecy International Animated Film Festival

Great coverage on al jazeera TV

http://video.aljazeera.com/channels/eng/videos/middle-east-animation-takes-centre-stage-at-cannes/4901078806001

Bilal--A New Breed of Hero, Review: Idol greed v/s rebel breed

"Here’s the first animation feature film coming out from the middle-east, and it makes you wonder what took them so long.

How many animation/CGI films would have a 1400 year-old true story to tell? And how many of them would be without animals and birds talking, or super-powers engaging in over-the-top action? Bilal is refreshingly devoid of familiar trappings, yet consummate in its artistry."

Rating: *** ½

Siraj Syed

"BILAL has a lasting message well understood in the humanistic framework. This is a unique feature with a compelling socially relevant content for today. It provides the plausible interpretation that hidden by the ideology of false gods greed destroys the essence of mankind and enslaves all subjected to it.  Bilal strongly opposes inequality and battles the subordination of people. In the current climate of growing class division a faith based appeal to strengthen moral values should attract a large audience."

Claus Mueller

"Timeless and powerful message of faith, hope and strive for equality, the film will certainly reach audiences worldwide; Especially in the Western culture, a practically unknown story, in these Islamophobia hard times, where misinterpretation is so frequent these days, this is a message we can all learn from. 

The style can in all fairness be compared to the best and known of Hollywood animation productions. This isn’t a surprise, as the film was mixed by Academy-Award winning Michael Hedges (“Lord of the Rings”, “King Kong”) who joined a team of professional artists, some of film director Peter Jackson’s has teamed up with in the past.

With an outstanding score by famous film composer, Atli Örvarsson,  the music compositions guides us through the emotional moments of Bilal that culminates of setting his chains free. Most of the recordings were done at the Abbey Road Studio, London with some sections recorded in Iceland. The musical score is a fusion of Middle Eastern elements fused with Norse and European sentiments.

The film message of remaining true to oneself, non discrimination and striving for social justice, in an materialistic environment, is a great reminder for all. “Being a great man means living without chains” reflects as much today as it did in the sixth-century Mecca. "

Lia Fietz

"An epic animation that can move both younger and older audiences. "

Martin Petrov

"Bilal evokes animated blockbusters but manages to avoid being an imitator. Even though the story follows the standard Hollywood beats for an action flick, this is a film that bears the imprint of where it was made in the UAE. "

Tom Llewellin

"Bilal is taught important messages by his peers. 'He who forgives will witness glory. Use your strength in your mind, and not a weapon. Build a home to inspire the hearts of men. His voice will inspire to speak for justice and equality.'"

Sharon Abella

Pixel-Perfect BILAL Takes Screen at Cannes 69th & Took a Few Years, 22 Countries to Create.

"Dubai’s first ever CGI animation, BILAL, the story behind this 1400-year-old animation saga is truly gripping. . Let’s hope this film has the harmonizing effect as intended, because the animation is truly pixel-perfect. "

Moira Sullivan

"It is not often you are at a certain time in a certain place where a pinnacle moment permits a window for you to say I was there! Bilal is the first feature animation film to come out of the UAE and it leave a lasting impression.
Indeed Bilal the film will leave a legacy. Classical in its animation form and delivery, Bilal engages and captivates the audience with a lyrical story arc setting the state for an emotional trajectory with highs and lows moving us along a path. A great story must be able to generate and captivate it’s audience with animation sustaining the promise."

Laurie Gordon

SCREENMANCER Pixel perfect Bilal screened at Cannes 69th and took a few years and 22 countries to create.  

What makes this film interesting is that you don’t necessarily have to know the backstory to appreciate the master-level craftsmanship on the CGI in BILAL. In fact, this project pays off the promise that ‘reality begins at 80 million polygons’ as coined by animation forefather Alvy Ray Smith, and really brings home the notion that this technology now has a life of its own as this fantastic tool available all over the world for people to tell make epic explorations.

When you watch this film, you see top drawer animation with a sincere message of “faith, hope and self-discovery inspired by the real life story,” as described by the filmmakers. 

Let’s hope this film has the harmonizing effect as intended, because the animation is truly pixel-perfect. Find out more about BILAL here, and watch for it to screen near you soon.

Quendrith Johnson