The Prophet, an animated movie inspired by Gibran Khalil Gebran’s fictional novel, was selected to be showcased at Cannes Film Festival, as a non-contestant (‘Hors Concours’).

The movie is co-financed by FFA Private Bank and produced by Salma Hayek, who is of Lebanese descent. FFA handled 30 percent of overall investments, raising $4 million.

Other investors include the Doha Film Institute, Participant Media, Code Red, Mygroup, and Financière Pinault.

The movie is expected to generate over $50 million at the box office once it is commercially released in movie theaters.

Gibran Khalil Gibran’s 89-year-old work has been adapted for the silver screen involving collaborations across many borders. It was directed by Roger Allers (The Lion King).

The Prophet is one of the best-selling books of all time, having sold over 100 million copies since its original publication in 1923. Gibran is the third most-read poet in history, after Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu, and has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Jean Riachi, CEO of FFA Private Bank, said: “The Prophet delivers a message of faith in life itself transcending all cultures and all religions. In addition to supporting Gibran’s heritage and legacy, we are very proud to contribute to what might well become the most inspiring animated picture of all times.”

This investment brings the total number of movies co-funded by FFA Private Bank to four. Of its most famous is the $58 million ‘2 Guns’, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. 

FFA Private Bank, specialized in wealth management, capital markets, and investment banking, is headquartered in Beirut, and also manages operations in the UAE through its fully owned subsidiary located at the Dubai International Financial Center.