South Africa’s first animation studio Triggerfish Studios has signed a deal with US independent film company Millennium Entertainment regarding the theatrical release of their latest 3D feature film, Khumba.
Triggerfish announced the partnership today, which will see the studios work alongside Millennium in the theatrical rollout of the 3D stereoscopic film about a daring zebra shunned by his herd, embarking on a quest to find his missing stripes.
Befriending other characters including a wildebeest and an ostrich en route, and squaring up against an evil cheetah, the story displays Triggerfish’ signature Africa-based storytelling and is their second attempt at bringing African films to a global arena after Adventures of Zambezia was released earlier this year.
The film will showcase the talents of a number of high-profile voice-actors, with Triggerfish already able to confirm the performances of Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, Rio, The Perfect Game), AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terebithia, Soul Surfer) and Loretta Devine (Crash, I am Sam, Grey’s Anatomy).
Khumba is co-written by Anthony Silverston and Raffaella Delle Donne – who both worked on Triggerfish’ first hit Zambezia – alongside Lion King writer Jonathan Roberts. Anthony Silverston also directed the animation film, while Triggerfish’s own CEO and founder Stuart Forrest produced it.
Speaking about the partnership deal, which marks the first time a Triggerfish film will be released in theatres on the US market, Forrest said: “This is another exciting step-up for Triggerfish Animation Studios as we continue to break new ground in establishing our company as Africa’s leading entertainment franchise. We are thrilled to be working with Millennium and feel our film is in good hands with a talented group behind the theatrical release.”
Millennium expects strong uptake of the family film. CEO Bill Lee said: “Millennium Entertainment is eager to earn its stripes with the lovable ‘Khumba’, which marks the company’s first venture in the world of animation.
“We look forward to connecting the film and its endearing cast of animals with the whole family.”
Triggerfish has ambitions to be become “Africa’s Pixar” and to bring the African culture of storytelling to the world. They have also signed a deal with Sony for the distribution of Zambezia on DVD in the first quarter of 2013.
