From a musuem in his hometown of Bsharre to a garden in downtown Beirut, the internationally acclaimed author Kahlil Gibran is celebrated throughout Lebanon. And now, it seems, the Lebanese, and the world, will have one more medium through which to appreciate the famed writer, with the debut of the animated film, "The Prophet" this summer.

Produced by Mexican/American film actress, director and producer Salma Hayek, the animated " Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet " will be released on August 7 in Los Angeles and New York. It will then be shown throughout the United States. An international release date has yet to be set, leaving Arab audiences, particularly within Lebanon, anxious to find out when they will be able to view the artful adaption in a cinema near them.

The film has already been making the film festival circuit. It premiered to high praise at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada last September, receiving applause from the audience throughout the screening. It was also an "Official Selection" at the annual Cannes Festival in France. During the Ajyal Film Festival in Qatar last December, the film screened for the first time in the Middle East. Earlier this month, the official trailer for the film was released as well.

In addition to producing the film, Hayek also serves as the voice of one of the characters. Liam Neeson, John Krasinski, Frank Langella, Alfred Molina and Quvenzhane Wallis also provide voice talent for characters in the film. Nine different directors were involved in the production.

Regional talent involved with the production includes Emirati animator Mohammed Saeed Harib (Freej) and Iranian-French author and director Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis ). The Doha Film Institute also co-financed the production with Participant Media, MyGroup Lebanon, FFA Private Bank, JRW Entertainment and Code Red Productions.

Hayek told The Hollywood Reporter, "Being of Lebanese descent, I’m particularly proud to be part of a project that will present this masterpiece to new generations, in a way never seen before.”

As we wait for the international release date, we'll just keep the trailer rolling on repeat for awhile longer. Check it out below.

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