Animaze - Montreal International Animation Film Festival

Top notch story telling Bilal is certain to leave a stunning visual animation legacy for generations to come.

  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.  I was thrilled to have been able to see it at its birth if you will.

  With its rich story and characters, the technical  production values and top notch story telling bring the characters to life through the drawings, movement and rich vibrant colours created by top notch animators.

  The story upon which the film is based is derived from the real story of Bilal a young African slave from Ethiopia who finds his voice through hardship and the synchronicity of life. 

 In true epic cinematic style we are captured from the start and remain immersed in a story which spans the hands of time.

A thousand years ago, one boy with a dream,

of becoming a great warrior is abducted with

his sister and taken to a land far away from home.

Thrown into a world where greed and injustice rule all,

Bilal finds the courage to raise his voice and make a change.

Inspired by true events, this sis a story of a real hero who

earned his remembrance in time and history.

 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. Bilal delivering a powerful message.

 Award-winning  Ian McShane wvoices Umayya, the merchant who enslaves Bilal and his sister.Top notch actors such as Michael Gross, Jacob Latimore as Bilal and other notable actors. The production utilized bankable talent and was able to create a classic film which  has earned its own place in animation film history.

The music was scored by Icelandic composer Atli Orvarsson seen here with director producer Ayman Jamal

Atlie Orvarsson is the Bilal score composer who comes from Iceland. He has scored the Pirates of the Caribbean series to NBC television series Chicago Fire as well as working alongside the iconic Hans Zimmer.

  The screenplay written  Alex Kronemer is based on the life of Bilal ibn Rabah and was directed by Ayman Jamal and produced by Dubai based production company Barajoun.

Mr and Mrs Jamal at the Bilal screening at Cannes Film Festival May 14 2016

Bilal ibn Rabah  بلال ابن رباح‎‎ (580–640 AD) also known as Bilal al-Habashi, Bilal ibn Riyah, and ibn Rabah was one of the most trusted and loyal Sahabah (companions) of the Islamic prophet

Muhammad. He was born in Mecca chosen by Muhammad himself. Born as a slave, Bilal was among the emancipated  slaves. He was known for his beautiful voice with which he called people to their prayers.

Please watch Bilal.