Azur Asmar ✓ «PREMIUM»

If you think you’ve seen every CGI trick in the book, (original French title: Azur et Asmar ) will feel like a breath of fresh, colorful air. While it flew somewhat under the mainstream radar in the US, this Franco-Belgian-Spanish co-production is widely considered a cult masterpiece in Europe and the Middle East.

Beyond the Glitter: Why Azur & Asmar is a Masterclass in Visual Storytelling azur asmar

In the original French version (and many festival prints), the characters actually speak two different languages. The "French" characters speak French, while the "Maghrebi" characters speak a dialect of Arabic. No subtitles are provided for either side. You are meant to feel as lost as Azur is when he first arrives, and as confused as Asmar is in the French palace. It is a brilliant, immersive trick. If you think you’ve seen every CGI trick