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Abu Kees Bas Bala Kees

"Abu Kees Bala Kees" is a light-hearted and humorous take on the traditional Lebanese urban legend of Abu Kees, the notorious person who traps unruly kids in his bags.

What occurs, though, if Abu Kees runs out of bags? He embarks on a desperate quest to acquire the ideal replacement, not just any bag, but a tidy and appropriate one, determined to continue his nightly responsibilities.

Reflecting the common Lebanese fixation on the expression "jeeb kees mrattab" (meaning "get a good-looking bag"), the short film incorporates folklore and cultural peculiarities into a playful journey about appearances, expectations, and a little irritated antagonist.

  • Karen Khodur
    Director
    Mindworks Nuclei- Book1
  • Karen Khodur
    Writer
    Mindworks Nuclei- Book1
  • Karen Khodur
    Animator
    Mindworks Nuclei- Book1
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy
  • Runtime:
    1 minute
  • Completion Date:
    April 5, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Lebanon
  • Country of Filming:
    Lebanon
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    2d digital animation, 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Beirut Animation Nights x FACILA
    Beirut
    Lebanon
    April 6, 2025
    National Premiere
    Special mention
  • LFFC- lebanese film festival in canada
    montreal
    Canada
    June 8, 2025
    International Premiere
    Official selection
Distribution Information
  • Independent
    Distributor
    Country: Lebanon
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Karen Khodur

Karen Khodur is a 23-year-old illustrator and 2D animator from Lebanon, who goes by Korny art. She specializes in 2D animation and visual effects and uses expressive motion and visual energy to bring stories to life. Karen also has a background in graphic design combining technical accuracy with artistic expression in her work. Her focus is producing dynamic effects and smooth character animation that aim to tell stories in a fun and dynamic manner. She aims to add individuality and impact to each frame, whether it be through complex graphics or emotional movements.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film is a humorous jab at the lebanese urban legend "Abu Kees". It was born from how silly I used to view him as a kid, as I only thought he was a man obsessed with bags and is bound to run out of bags someday. I even wondered if he ever spent time picking out the right bags like most Lebanese people tend to do