It’s taken more than three years, 360 animators, 5,000 hours of research and 90 different locations to make it. And now Bilal, the ambitious animation film by Dubai-based Barajoun Entertainment, is ready for its gala premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) on December 10.
Directed by Ayman Jamal and Khuram H. Alavi, the film tells the story of a young boy and his sister who are abducted into slavery. Bilal, who dreams of becoming a great warrior, must find the courage to raise his voice and bring about the change he seeks.
The film features voices by Game of Thrones star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, rising pop sensation Jacob Latimore and Disney starlet China Anne McClain, who’s also a member of sister girl group McClain. The cast and directors will attend the red carpet gala on Thursday.
“Bilal is a story of faith, hope and self-discovery,” says director Jamal, who’s also producing the film. “Although the action takes place a thousand years ago, the story is about finding your own voice, about learning to honour and respect yourself and those around you, and that’s a message that’s just as important in today’s world.”
Diff runs from December 9 to 16. For tickets and schedules, go to dubaifilmfest.com
