Drawing from the past

This rather exaggerated metaphor refers to the struggle by women for gender equality over the centuries. Ocelot says he believes it is utterly wrong to consider women as "inferior to men".

"Although I am fascinated by glittering and enduring civilizations and cultures, I'm scared by the dark chapters of history and the malice shown toward women. We would be much happier if men and women were treated equally," he says.

As the former president of the International Animated Film Association, Ocelot says he has long held a strong interest in Chinese animation, especially Shanghai Animation Film Studio's classics, such as Three Monsters and Little Tadpoles in Search of Their Mother.

Chinese culture has also become his new source of artistic inspiration, reveals the director, who is planning to make the 15-minute animated flick, A Dream Lover, inspired by his visit to see the ancient architecture in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, a few years ago.