For the first time in its history, the Cairo International Film Festival is showing animation films as part of its international competition. 

The Boy and The World, Ale Abreu's second feature, is a colorful jumble of crayon-like stills filmed to perfection. 

This story of a boy on a quest to reunite with his father is filled with colorful adventures, even when the short stick figure stumbles upon the harsh realities of urbanism; ultimately, the film brings so much life to being lost in a big city. 

Abreu's city is a collage of chopped up advertisements and eerily synchronised construction workers, which the filmmaker juxtaposes against his hero's home, an untraceable village made up of one hut and a pink plant.

In the simplicity of its plot, the film sheds light on the ills of globalisation which led the boy to flee his home in search of his dad, who had left to find work.   

Abreu has mastered his transitions, and the film's carefully crafted original score will leave you humming. 

The Boy and The World will screen again Thursday 13 November at 8pm.

Check out the festival's complete programme and Ahram Online's recommendations here.