Zarafa (film)
Zarafa is a 2012 traditionally animated adventure film directed by Rémi Bezançon and Jean-Christophe Lie. The film is a Franco-Belgian co-production and is based on an idea by Bezançon, which was then developed into a screenplay by him and others.
The story is set in the 19th century and follows the perilous journey of Maki, a young Sudanese boy, who befriends Zarafa, an orphaned giraffe. Maki promises Zarafa he will protect her and return her to her homeland. Their adventures take them across the Sahara desert, over the Alps in a hot air balloon, and eventually to Paris. The film draws inspiration from the true story of the first giraffe to arrive in France, a gift from Muhammad Ali of Egypt to King Charles X in 1827.
Zarafa explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the clash between cultures. The film received critical acclaim for its animation style, which is reminiscent of classic animation techniques, and its heartwarming story. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Animated Feature at the César Awards.