Dilili's adventures lead her to meet a string of historical figures, including scientist Marie Curie (right) and actress Sarah Bernhardt (center). [Photo provided to China Daily]

During their investigations, the amateur detective duo meet more than 60 cultural figures and scientists of the time-from Nobel laureate Marie Curie to novelist Marcel Proust to biologist Louis Pasteur.

Of all the famous names in Paris, Emma Calve-the French operatic soprano famed for performing the lead in Georges Bizet's Carmen-plays a key role in helping Dilili and delivery boy Orel on their mission.

"I chose the year 1900 as the set for my film, as I believe it was a beautiful era that saw many of the world's finest and most talented artists and scientists gather in Paris. Despite having all passed away, their legacy will benefit humankind now and forever," Ocelot told China Daily during a recent visit to Beijing.

But there were characteristics of the era that Ocelot-who defines himself as a "global citizen"-feels uneasy and regretful about, realizing that Europe at that time only acknowledged the achievements made by white people.

With his childhood memories of family life in the West African country of Guinea and his knowledge of literature, the director developed the character of Dilili, a mixed-race child not regarded as "one of us" either by the Africans or the Europeans depicted in the film.