An epic poem about Mesopotamian hero Gilgamesh has inspired a new animated film, backed by Fortnite maker Epic Games.
The video game giant will fund a feature-length animation about the semi-mythological character and protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
It is the first known film grant bestowed by Epic Games' Epic MegaGrants programme, according to Deadline.
The film, a collaboration between Latin American animation studio Hook Up and Argentinia's DuermeVela and FilmSharks, will focus on the tales and tribulations of Gilgamesh, using Epic’s Unreal Engine technology.
Historians believe the hero to have mostly likely been a king of Uruk, an ancient Sumerian city located in modern-day Iraq. He is most famously known as the namesake of the third millennium BC Mesopotamian poem – the earliest known great work of literature – about man's struggle for immortality.
The poem is said to have influenced Homer's epics Odyssey and Iliad.
The animated adaption, directed by Argentinian filmmaker Tomas Lipgot, will be focused around Gilgamesh’s quest as well as his relationship with friend and comrade Enkidu.
"It's an honour to see Epic Games supporting Gilgamesh through the Epic MegaGrants programme," FilmSharks' chief executive Guido Rud told Deadline.
"Although animation has done an excellent job of entertaining through comedy and colourful creatures, there is also a huge appetite and opportunity to share cultural stories and tell larger-than-life mythical tales.”
No release date has yet been detailed for Gilgamesh
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Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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