Beirut Animation Nights in partnership with FACILA launched an annual animation challenge.
Beirut Animation Nights is an animation festival that showcases auteur animated films from around the world, with a special focus on the Mediterranean region.
FACILA is a non-profit organization with a passionate mission to revive, create, promote, educate, and celebrate the arts. With a forward-thinking vision, it strives to highlight Lebanon’s and the Arab world’s unique cultural heritage.
The animation challenge invites participants – individuals or groups of 2-3 people- to create a short animation -under one minute, adapted from or inspired by the tale of Abou Kees.
Who is Abou Kees?
Abou Kees, a legendary figure known mainly in Lebanon and Syria, is often used to scare misbehaving children into obedience. In Egypt, he is known as Abou Regl Masloukha, while in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, he goes by the name Bou Rouh.
“In the Lebanese version of the tale, a mischievous young boy’s behavior gets increasingly out of hand, pushing his mother to her limits. Desperate to regain authority, she comes up with the story of Abou Kees, a man who kidnaps disobedient children and carries them away in his big sack. Terrified, the boy quickly changes his ways.
One day, he spots an old man carrying a large bag and, convinced it is Abou Kees, flees in panic. His mother and neighbors search tirelessly day and night but cannot find him. When they finally do, he confesses his fear of Abou Kees. Feeling guilty, his mother reassures him that the man is just a harmless beggar. To ease his worries, she promises that Abou Kees will never return.”
Many people from the region have a memory of Abou Kees -or its equivalent name-, the legendary figure parents invoked to keep mischievous kids in check. Whether it was a passing threat or a chilling bedtime tale, the fear of being snatched away in his sack was all too real for many childhoods.
In this challenge, we want you to revive the memory of Abou Kees or reimagine his presence in a fresh, creative way. Whether through humor, nostalgia, horror, or a modern twist, bring back the legend that left its mark on so many childhoods, ensuring that his essence is carried on to new generations.
Participants are free to use any animation technique: 2D, 3D, stop motion, aftereffects, or any other style you prefer. Also any style of visual/narration is acceptable.
Oh yes and before we forget, our one and only superstar, festival mascot: Mr. Alfonce Batata, must make a special appearance in your animations! You know, he’s desperate to become a star and make it to Hollywood! And Action!
The winner was announced at the award ceremony on April 6th (10:30 PM).
The winning film received a $1,000 cash prize from FACILA, along with a feature on Beirut Animation Nights’ and FACILA’s social media.
The runner-ups will be featured on Beirut Animation Nights’ & Facila’s socials and websites.