Lest you think you already know every film vying for an Oscar nomination this season – Dubai-based Barajoun Entertainment is releasing its feature Bilal: A New Breed of Hero this Friday in Los Angeles. The film, based on the founding of Islam and starring Ian McShane (Game of Thrones, Kung Fu Panda), was awarded as “Best Inspiring Movie” on Animation Day in Cannes, during Cannes Film Festival. Here’s the trailer:

Co-directed by Khurram H. Alavi and Ayman Jamal, the film is inspired by the story of the real-life African hero Bilal Ibn Rabah (voiced by actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), born into slavery in the sixth century and who became one of the most trusted companions of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the first animated feature produced by an Emirates / Saudi team, and the first production of Barajoun Entertainment Inc. in Dubai, where Bilal was entirely produced.

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Jerry Beck

Writer, cartoon producer and author of more than 15 books on animation history. A former studio exec with Nickelodeon and Disney; currently on the faculty at both CalArts in Valencia and Woodbury University in Burbank, California.

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