A French animated adventure explores class divides through the eyes of desert snakes

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the 2017 film Sahara, a social outcast cobra named Ajar embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his love interest from a snake charmer. This CGI production blends humor and high-stakes action while navigating themes of prejudice, friendship, and the unlikely bond between desert-dwelling Dusties and elite green snakes.

Directed by Pierre Coré and released on January 18, 2017, Sahara stands as a notable entry in French animation. The narrative centers on Ajar, a cobra living in the desert among the Dusties, a group marginalized by the sophisticated green snakes of the Oasis. Tired of being labeled a loser, Ajar attempts to infiltrate the forbidden haven, leading to an unexpected encounter with Eva, a green snake seeking her own escape from the Oasis. Their burgeoning relationship is abruptly interrupted when Eva is captured by a human snake charmer named Omar.

The film follows Ajar and his companion, a scorpion named Pitt, as they traverse a dangerous landscape to rescue Eva. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including predatory secretary birds, a treacherous Glow-Worm King, and the complexities of human civilization. The journey forces Ajar to confront his own insecurities, while the supporting cast—including Eva's brother Gary and the captive snakes Lulu Belle, Lily Belle, George, Pietra, and Rita—adds layers to the story. The film’s emotional core is tested when Ajar mistakenly believes Eva has moved on, yet his persistence ultimately leads to a climactic confrontation with Omar during a desert sandstorm.

Critically, the film received a mixed reception. While reviewers praised its visual style, musical score, choreography, and humor, the plot and pacing faced condemnation. Despite these critiques, the film achieved commercial success, ranking as the top French animated film at the box office in 2017. It also garnered industry recognition, earning a nomination for Best Animation Film at the 2018 Les Cesar Academy. The project’s production involved a dual-language cast, with Omar Sy providing the voice for Ajar, a role he found challenging due to the need to convey the character's teenage fragility and lack of self-confidence.

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