Kirikou and the Sorceress

1998, 74 Minutes, Rated U (Universal) in the UK
France, Belgium, Luxembourg

Director: Michel Ocelot

This fanciful, animated feature from French artist and director Michel Ocelot is based on a popular folk tale from West Africa. Kirikou (voice of Theo Sebeko) informs his mother from the womb that it’s time for him to be born, but when she’s too slow, he simply does the work himself. After learning that his parents’ village is being threatened by a sorceress with a taste for human flesh, Kirikou leaps into action to save the day, encountering friends and foes along the way, including a monster who can drain waterfalls and lakes with his enormous thirst and a wise man living on a magic mountain.

Kirikou and the Sorceress also features an original score by acclaimed Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour.

 

“Kirikou and the Sorceress employs snappy visuals to tell a catchy story for all ages. A blend of African folktales Kirikou has both humor and flair.” — Lisa Nesselson, Variety

“It’s a full-scale delivery of animation with its own cultural imperative.” — Elvis Mitchell, The New York Times

“Arresting in the same way painter Romare Bearden’s vision of Oz would be, Kirikou and the Sorceress looks like something being put together as you’re watching it.” — Wesley Morris, San Francisco Examiner