Azur and Asmar, directed by Michel Ocelot, joins the Disney+ catalog in France on December 5, 2025. Released in theaters on October 25, 2006, this animated feature film depicts two children raised together in a stately home before being separated by social conventions. Featuring the voices of Cyril Mourali, Karim M'Riba, and Hiam Abbass, the film is aimed at families and viewers aged 8 and up, continuing the tradition of visual storytelling that has made the filmmaker's reputation.
Long ago, two children grew up side by side: Azur, blond with blue eyes, the son of a castle owner, and Asmar, brown-haired with black eyes, the son of the nurse Jénane. Raised on the same stories, notably that of the Fairy of the Djinns, they were nevertheless brutally separated when the adults decided to remind each of them of their status. One remained in the comfort of the castle, the other was sent away across the sea.
As adults, Azur and Asmar each resume their quest for the Djinn Fairy in their own way, guided by the stories of their childhood. Each sets off for a kingdom inspired by the Maghreb, dotted with bright cities, gardens, dangers, and wonders. Rivals as much as foster brothers, they must face prejudice, obstacles, and linguistic misunderstandings to move forward on a journey where brotherhood and respect for cultures become as important as the legend they are pursuing.
Presented in 2006 at the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes, Azur and Asmar was screened in digital HD, a first on the Croisette, notably in front of children from Priority Education Zones. The film then went on to be shown at major animation events, including the Annecy Festival, confirming Michel Ocelot's place in the European animation scene. Designed as a wonderful fairy tale, it nevertheless tackles contemporary issues, from everyday hostility between populations to the question of cultural boundaries.
For the first time, the director used 3D, in collaboration with the Mac Guff studio, while retaining a working method similar to traditional animation: numerous preparatory sketches, detailed storyboards, and characters designed from all angles. Around 1,300 shots were defined from more than 13,000 drawings, before a phase of animation and set design that spanned several years. The visual universe draws on Maghreb architecture, the mosques of Istanbul, Andalusia, Persian miniatures, and references to European painting.
The linguistic dimension is at the heart of the project: some scenes in Arabic are not subtitled, in order to convey the feeling of loss of bearings and the state of being an immigrant, while allowing the viewer to understand from the context. Michel Ocelot points out that his films are not intended solely "for children," but to bring all generations together around stories that do not simplify the issues at stake. The music by Gabriel Yared, imbued with oriental motifs, accompanies this dialogue between cultures and earned the film a César nomination for Best Original Music.
Aimed at family audiences, Azur and Asmar addresses brotherhood, mistrust between peoples, perceptions of "foreigners," and the possibility of understanding beyond social and geographical barriers. In line with Michel Ocelot's previous works, the story offers a contemplative pace, highly composed images, and a confident use of storytelling to address current issues. Viewers familiar with Kirikou will recognize the same desire to speak to both children and adults, without sacrificing complexity.
Azur and Asmar
Film | 2006
Theatrical release: October 25, 2006
On Disney+ December 5, 2025
Animation, Family | Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes
By Michel Ocelot | Starring Cyril Mourali, Karim M'Riba, Hiam Abbass
Nationality: France, Belgium, Spain, Italy
Ages 8 and up
Combining an initiatory tale, a journey between continents, and imagery inspired by Eastern fairy tales, Azur & Asmar offers a vision of the world where encounters, curiosity, and the circulation of languages take precedence over fear of the other. Its arrival on Disney+ offers an opportunity to rediscover an animated film that combines contemporary issues and storytelling tradition with a distinctive graphic and musical identity.
To go further, check out our selection of new Disney+ releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to Watch Today on Streaming.
