Kirikou and The Sorceress
(Kirikou et la Sorcière)

Based on a traditional West African folk tale, this award-winning animated feature tells the time-honored story of innocence defeating evil, with a modern twist.

A firm favourite of past Square Eyes programmes, this African fable from famed French animator Michel Ocelot is a feast for the eyes and ears, and quite unlike anything you’ve seen before in western animation. The animation style and setting are unapologetically African and Kirikou’s world is a kaleidoscope of joyous colour. The drawings of plants and trees are stylised reproductions of real tropical flora, inspired by Egyptian drawings and the paintings of Henri Rousseau. Filled with music from renowned Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour and visuals richly evocative of African culture, Kirikou and the Sorceress is a true gem of the animation world — and the ideal introduction for kiddos of all ages to the wider world of folk stories.

Kirikou and the Sorceress tells the story of a quick-witted and feisty newborn boy, and his quest to save his parents’ village from an evil curse. Karaba, an unstoppable Sorceress, is wreaking havoc on a small village in Africa. She’s the actual worst. But tiny and brave Kirikou, who is able to walk and talk as soon as he’s born, undertakes a perilous journey in order to disarm Karaba’s power. Joint winner (along with Chicken Run) in 2002 of the British Animation Award for best European animated feature, Kirikou and the Sorceress is treasured worldwide for its gentle storytelling and natural, respectful portrayal of nudity and authentic cultural traditions.