When it comes to animation, the Middle East and North Africa – Egypt in particular – is known for its series. Shows like Bakkar, Captain Azouz and Super Henedy have left young Egyptians and Arabs craving for more original content from our region.
While dubbed movies are convenient and easy, they still lack the Egyptian flavor. For the first time ever, Egypt is producing an animated feature film with voice overs by Mohamed Henedy, Donia Samir Ghanem, Medhat Saleh and Abla Kamel. The movie’s big debut will be at the Gouna Film Festival’s third edition this fall.
The story is based on true historical events, which took place in the seventh century AD. The plot follows the story of Mohammed bin Qasim who decides to fight the world of piracy with his best friend Zayd and mentor Abu ElOsood, only to end up meeting Princess Lobna. The movie, however, will not be in an Egyptian dialect, but a formal one.
“We are delighted to present The Kinght and The Princess, which is important as it is the first Arab animated film, fully executed by an Arab crew. It is a long-awaited dream in the region. An Egyptian, and Arab dream that began in the sixties,” stated Inteshal Al-Tamimi, the Gouna Film Festival’s Iraqi director.
The animated film’s producer, Abas Bin Abas, described the production as a challenge due to solely depending on an Egyptian crew. The project began 20 years ago and has faced many challenges since, yet the team was determined to bring it to life.