In-Conversation with Michel Ocelot
Michel Ocelot is a legend of the animation world. Born in the French Riviera, he spent his childhood between Guinea and the Loire Valley before settling in Paris, where he studied. He did military service in the Army Cinema, where he made animated films that could not be shown because of military secrecy. He began making short animated films in the 1970s. All of his works have been based on his own scripts and drawings. Among his short films, he directed The 3 Inventors (1980 Bafta for the best-animated film, London), followed by The Legend of the Poor Hunchback (1983 César for the best animated short film, Paris). In 1998, Michel Ocelot became known to the general public with the success of his first feature film Kirikou and the Sorceress. He then released Princes and Princesses, fairy tales in a shadow theater using cut-out animation, and Kirikou and the Wild Beasts, co-directed with Bénédicte Galup. Azur & Asmar (2007), his 4th feature film, is another fairy tale set on both sides of the Mediterranean: it was selected for the Cannes Film Festival Director’s Fortnight. He has gone on to even greater successes,Dilili in Paris, set in the Belle Epoque, won the 2019 Cesar award. His latest film Black Pharaoh, the Savage and the Princess, is playing at the Red Sea IFF.
Other movies
TO KILL A MONGOLIAN HORSE
Director: Xiaoxuan Jiang
Saina’s father never taught him to ride: he simply put him on the back of a horse, a Mongolian herdsman’s natural habitat. Saina now earns his living performing spectacular tricks in equestrian shows for tourists, trying to make enough money to cover his father’s gambling debts as well as support his little son. His true vocation, however, is caring for his sheep and horses on the grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see - a way of life under threat from climate change, encroaching poverty and profiteering mining companies. A moving, superbly shot portrait of a man clinging to the things that make that life worthwhile: the endless sky, the silence, his herdsman’s heritage and his beloved horses.
THE TALE OF DAYE'S FAMILY
Director: Karim Elshenawy
Daye, an 14-year-old Nubian albino with a golden voice, faces adversity due to his unique appearance. Abandoned by his father and bullied by peers, he dreams of following his idol, Mohamed Mounir. When he gets a chance to audition for The Voice, Daye and his family embark on a perilous journey from Aswan to Cairo. Their journey is fraught with challenges: a stolen car, lost money, and a harrowing escape from the police. They face discrimination and struggle to survive, but their unwavering determination and Daye's powerful voice keep them going. With the help of a kind fireman and a chance encounter with Mounir himself, Daye overcomes obstacles and captures the hearts of a nation. Daye is a heartwarming tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of music. It’s a poignant exploration of tolerance, ambition, and the unbreakable bond of family.
In-Conversation with Mona Zaki
Director: Mona Zaki
Red Sea Film Festival is proud to have Mona Zaki as an Honoree guest. Mona is a successful Egyptian Actress who started her career at the age of 16 with a role in “Bel Araby Elfaseh” under the well-known Actor and Director Mohamed Sobhy. She has portrayed many diversified roles throughout her career, showcasing her exceptional talent while working alongside the region’s top actors and directors in over 60 movies and series. Through her acting career, Mona Zaki has become a quintessential star of her generation, portrayed as a role model for successful women in cinematography. Throughout her career, Mona has won multiple prestigious awards. Known for extremely complex compositional roles, Mona Zaki's conversation will revolve around her experience with the characters she has played, her profound way of acting, her experience with directors, and her personal contribution to each role.
