JEDDAH: Legendary French animator Michel Ocelot says the key to becoming an accomplished artist is to continue to face one’s fears of failing and never giving up.
Ocelot, 79, offered this advice to fellow creatives on the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival currently underway. He was speaking during one of the “In Conversation” sessions at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah on Dec. 6.
The Frenchman is a writer, designer, storyboard artist, and director of an array of acclaimed animated feature films. He is mostly recognized for “Kirikou et la Sorciere” released in 1998 which means “Kirikou and the Witch,” and also his remarkable animation “Azur and Asmar: The Princes’ Quest” released in 2006.
“Kirikou et la Sorciere” marked the rebirth of French animation in the cinema and it was a striking start to the passionate Ocelot’s artistic career. “I know what I want, I’m doing it and I love it,” he said.
The artwork for “Kirikou et la Sorciere” was completely handmade and drawn. After struggling “hard” as an artist he suddenly found international success.
He said he had produced the work with “not much money” and without the backing or support of a company or a board of directors. He had succeeded in creating a compelling fictional world from very few resources.
Ocelot’s brilliant work is an inspiration for generations of experts and emerging animation artists. “Kids who were kids at the time (and are) now adults … come to me and thank me. And sometimes they cry. So, I’m lucky.”
Despite his success, Ocelot’s start was challenging. “It was hard to find my way because when I started animation didn’t really exist.” He said there were no schools, and he did not have resources to pay for cameras or editing. “So, I lost quite some time. I learned by myself.”
“I think I started at the year of 1 or 2, I took a pencil and I drew and I never stopped. And then I was a happy child and I was always active. And I think I prepared myself for my job from my infancy. And I would draw in paint and cut (it out) and get into a disguise and decorate the house for the festivals, and make a little gift with a nice package. And that’s my vision today.”
His artistic sensibility was influenced by his formative years growing up in Kenya where he was inspired by the country’s “beautiful and benevolent people.”
“I remember the beauty of the people and the dresses of (the) women on festival days … True elegance, happy elegance, and the details within which made my infancy in the world of animation special.”
Ocelot eventually became president of the International Animated Film Association, a position which allowed him to showcase his understanding and affinity to different cultures, and to reflect his passion for Africa.
“So that’s always been a great part of my life. Being aware of different worlds and being at ease with them and being at ease with such different parts of the world. I can put myself in the place of other people easily, and I know the relatability of things.”
Ocelot said artists must overcome their fears and try to be as original as possible. “Give everything you have. Try not to listen to bad advice. Sometimes you get good advice, but it’s better not to follow them. Don’t be afraid to start.”
His new animated feature film that was released earlier this year, “The Black Pharaoh, the Savage and the Princess,” was screened for the audience after the session.
Legendary French animator Michel Ocelot talks inspiration, creativity and fame
https://arab.news/v294h
Legendary French animator Michel Ocelot talks inspiration, creativity and fame
- Childhood in ‘beautiful’ Kenya shaped his vision
- Key to artistry is facing fear, he says at Red Sea festival
How private Christmas celebrations in Saudi Arabia offer moments of cultural exchange
- Christmas spirit in major cities is growing as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its religious diversity
- One of Riyadh’s decorations was held privately in a residential compound
RIYADH: As the days get colder and the year comes to an end, people across Saudi Arabia are looking to their families for warmth and their faith for comfort. For the Kingdom’s Christian residents, the holiday cheer has never been louder.
The Christmas spirit in major cities is growing as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its religious diversity. One of Riyadh’s decorations was held privately in a residential compound.
The compound’s general manager, Jean Noujaim, told Arab News: “Christmas is being celebrated more and more … things that were frowned upon are now becoming less so.”
Guests were wrapped in fake snow while shopping around the Christmas market, admiring the illustrious decorations, enjoying the live choir, and entertaining their children with a host of games and activities.
The event also included a few very special guest stars including elves, the Grinch, and the season’s hero, Santa Claus.
The compound’s largest event thus far, approximately 1,500 residents and 2,000 visitors were in attendance.
“It showed how much people were missing these types of events,” Noujaim said.
Breaking records in “every way,” the event also saw its highest number of Saudi attendees for a Christmas celebration, having hosted similar festivities on an annual basis.
Noujaim wanted those of all faiths to feel welcome, emphasizing that it was a celebration centered around children and joy.
“Everyone who came told me they had goosebumps during the event. They felt it was magical … their children were very happy.”
The Vives Compound Christmas celebration was held on Nov. 20 and will be held annually.
While celebrations in the Kingdom remain low-key and largely private, they are increasingly shaped by a sense of community, cultural exchange, and shared hospitality, often extending to Saudi friends and colleagues.
For many expats, Christmas in Saudi Arabia is marked by intimate gatherings at home or within residential compounds. Decorations are modest, featuring Christmas trees, lights, and small festive touches that recreate a sense of home far from home.
Jazmin Soledad Huanca, a Peruvian expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, described Christmas as one of the most anticipated moments of the year for foreigners living in the Kingdom.
“Christmas represents unity and family,” she said. “The first thing many of us do is decorate our space, whether with a tree, lights, or a small reminder of Christmas. We prepare to visit close friends or family, exchange secret gifts, and share food together.”
Food, she added, plays a central role in the celebrations, ranging from cookies and hot chocolate to baked turkey served with salads. For many expats who arrived in Saudi Arabia alone, the occasion carries an added emotional weight.
“Here, many of us came individually, which makes Christmas different but equally beautiful,” Huanca said. “In some compounds, activities are organized for children, families, and single people. On that day, we all become one community.”
Inviting Saudi friends to join the celebrations has become increasingly common. “Yes, we invite Saudis,” Huanca said. “For us, Christmas is about unity and family. We want them to feel that.”
She added that hosting Saudi guests brings a special sense of joy. “It feels like having an important guest at home. You want them to feel comfortable, like this is their home too.”
International schools across Saudi Arabia have also been embracing the festive season with inclusive and joyful Christmas celebrations.
At the American International School of Jeddah the campus has been filled with holiday cheer through festive bazaars, extensive decorations including seven Christmas trees, daily morning musical performances by students and teachers, and even a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Superintendent Robert Rinaldo said: “With more than 1,500 students representing 68 nationalities, we see Christmas celebrations as a true reflection of our diverse community. The festive atmosphere on campus, from holiday-themed decorations to daily musical performances, highlights that diversity and helps create an environment where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging and can come together to share in the joy of the season.”
Raza Ali, headmaster of Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, said: “As a British school overseas, we appropriately acknowledge Christmas during this time of year through school decorations, a winter musical, and references within certain class lessons, while always ensuring that we respect all cultural backgrounds within our community.”
Parents also value this balance. AISJ parent Victoria Joseph said: “Even though we are far from our home in California, my son is able to experience and understand the holiday season just as he would in the United States. It’s wonderful to see how the school embraces the festivities while showing such respect and adaptability toward the celebration in the Kingdom.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a multicultural society, these understated celebrations reflect a broader story of coexistence, where traditions are preserved, shared, and respectfully experienced across cultures.
