Khumba set for release

The studio, whose previous release Zambezia was South Africa’s biggest grossing film in 30 years, expects the new film to do even better than the first.

‘Khumba’ was one of five children’s films selected for screening at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

Jean-Michel Koenig, a partner at Triggerfish, explains why he thinks ‘Khumba’ will do better than its predecessor: “It’s a stronger story than ‘Zambezia’, which was not accepted into the Toronto festival, while ‘Khumba’ was.”

The film features the voices of a host of Hollywood stars including Laurence Fishburne and Liam Neeson. On the local front, comedians Nik Rabinowitz and Rob van Vuuren also lend their voices to the story.

First-time director Anthony Silverston said Neeson and Fishburne put their voices to characters after seeing the animation: “It’s a vote of their confidence.”

Silverston said he had been writing the script of the film on a part-time basis since 2005.

The story is about young zebra Khumba’s journey through the Great Karoo to earn his stripes after his superstitious herd blames him for a drought because he looks different.

“The film is about accepting one’s individuality,” said Silverston.

“We want kids to walk away with a message about feeling comfortable in their own skin.” He adds.

The film will open at cinemas on October 25.

– Sapa