Michel Ocelot

Born in 1943, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Tried various styles in his early animated work, but soon opted for the cutout animation technique.

His first professional picture, The 3 Inventors (1979) won a BAFTA Award. For The Legend of the Poor Hunchback (1982) he took a César for Best Animated Film. After numerous short films and television work, he wowed audiences with the feature animated movie Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998).

He has also made music videos, including “Earth Intruders” for Icelandic singer Björk. Ocelot, one of the most original animators working today, was president of ASIFA, the International Animated Film Association, in 1994-2000. He also contributes screenwriting talents to his films. (Karlovy Vary Film Festival)