The Adventures of Prince Achmed was made in 1926, it is a silent movie created with handcut shadow pupptes- over 300,000 cuts were needed to create this movei.
This just proves that I have no patience at all. I can’t imagine how much time and talent it took to make this movie. It’s a Middle Eastern themed fairy tale- I have no idea how accurate it is to the original stories- butt he story is very fun. The delicate shadow puppets are so beautiful. I was able to see it at my indie theaters annual Children’s International Film Festival, complete with live musicians for the musical score!
Here’s a short clip from the beginning of the movie where they introduce all the characters.
If your local theater doesn’t have a Children’s Film Festival bug them until they start one.
I saw this on television when I was a child and was mezmerised by the images. I think I became a film buff that day.
Wow. I had no idea something animated from that era existed. This is beautiful.