Focus Egypt
Key Frames: Animation in the Archive
In 2012, Cimatheque – Alternative Film Centre received the private collection of pioneering Egyptian animator Ihab Shaker. For over ten years, the archival team has dedicated itself to the thorough work of categorising, cleaning, repairing, scanning, indexing and preserving this monumental legacy. Today, a decade’s worth of archival labour is finally ready to be shared.
This programme presents three of Shaker’s most seminal and rarely seen works – including the world premiere of a restored version – while also pulling back the curtain on the practical realities of animation preservation. It explores the hidden histories that unfold and the forgotten techniques that are brought back to light during the process. Attendees will be guided through our step-by-step archival workflow: from processing fragile, disorganised materials to the detailed research needed to properly contextualise every piece of history, to what it means to restore an Arab and African film in the region.
Beyond the technical steps, we will discuss how to build a community around animation preservation, showing why visiting an archive is an essential resource for every serious student, artist and filmmaker.
This programme presents three of Shaker’s most seminal and rarely seen works – including the world premiere of a restored version – while also pulling back the curtain on the practical realities of animation preservation. It explores the hidden histories that unfold and the forgotten techniques that are brought back to light during the process. Attendees will be guided through our step-by-step archival workflow: from processing fragile, disorganised materials to the detailed research needed to properly contextualise every piece of history, to what it means to restore an Arab and African film in the region.
Beyond the technical steps, we will discuss how to build a community around animation preservation, showing why visiting an archive is an essential resource for every serious student, artist and filmmaker.
Appointments & Tickets
Thu 3.9. • 12:15
Curated and moderated by
Seham Shaheen
Supported by
Films
Un, deux, trois...
In three short stories, a man discovers a shower, a bird and a machine. What could possibly go wrong? Direction Ihab Shaker Duration 5' Country Egypt Year 1974
Chansons d’animaux
“Songs of Animals” is a series of short animated episodes that tell whimsical and humorous stories centred on different animals: “The Crocodile” and “The Crow”. Through simple yet intricate lines and visually stunning frames, the series showcases the brilliance of Ihab Shaker’s storytelling. Bringing traditional Egyptian cultural motifs to life in French, it creates a cross-cultural hybrid that was truly ahead of its time. Direction Ihab Shaker Duration 5' Country Egypt Year 1987