NATIONAL FILM & VIDEO FOUNDATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (NFVF)
 
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KHUMBA (Past Film)
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Completed - ENGLISH - Children's, Animation

Log Line

On a daring search for his missing stripes, an outcast zebra discovers his true self, reveals a lost legacy and saves his entire herd.

Previous markets

  • Cannes 2009 (Debut)
Full history

Year of production : 2009

Director(s) : Anthony SILVERSTON
Writer(s) : Anthony SILVERSTON, Raffaela DELLE DONNE
Producer(s) : Mike BUCKLAND, Stuart FORREST

Synopsis

A half-striped zebra is born into an insular, isolated herd obsessed with stripes. Rumours that the strange foal is cursed spread and, before long, he is blamed for the drought that sets in.
When even his father, the leader of the herd, blames him for the lack of rain and the subsequent death of his mother, the outcast zebra leaves the confines of his home knowing that he cannot survive in the herd without all his stripes.
Khumba ventures beyond the fence - vulnerable to the ferocious Leopard, Phango, who controls the waterholes and terrorizes the animals in the Great Karoo. Khumba is rescued from an opportunistic Wild Dog by a quirky duo: a wildebeest and an ostrich. Mama V is a self-confessed free spirit who does not want to be the average stay-at-home mom, like other wildebeest. Ironically, she mothers Bradley, a flamboyant but insecure ostrich who overcompensates for his scraggily feathers. When a mystical mantis appears to the foal, drawing a map to what could be interpreted as either water or stripes, the duo join Khumba on his quest in the hope that their own search for a safe waterhole is over.
On their journey, Khumba encounters a colourful range of characters including a migrating herd of Springbok in search of greener (and safer) pastures; a new age, bohemian community living safely within the confines of a luxurious national park; an endangered Riverine Rabbit who has survived extinction by mastering a myriad of skills ranging from impersonations to beat-boxing; a group of hysterical Dassies (rock-rabbits) who fanatically worship the Mighty Black Eagle and a loony, solitary Sheep living on an abandoned farm.
Khumba begins to learn that diversity is essential for survival and that one’s difference can, in fact, be one's strength. Tensions between the trio escalate as the stakes are raised with each step of the journey. After a hurtful argument (and a few home-truths), Khumba continues on his quest alone. Lost and delirious in a saltpan, Khumba meets a wise, nomadic Donkey and realizes that his lack of stripes has nothing to do with the lack of rain. Instead, in order to save his herd - as well as all the Karoo animals - Khumba knows he must enter Phango's cave and defeat the dreaded leopard.
Khumba’s father, who has become withdrawn after believing his son to be dead, is remorseful that he has been a bad leader and an even worse father. When he receives news that Khumba is alive and intends to face Phango, he leads the zebras out of the confines of the fence to find his son.
Khumba is re-united with his two sidekicks who vow to stick by him no matter what. With the help of his friends and father, Khumba defeats the leopard. In the battle, Khumba discovers a spring in Phango's cave and he is hailed a hero.

Production

Country(ies) : SOUTH AFRICA

Financing plan : NFVF
UKFC
CMG

Start of shooting : May 2009

ARGENTINA Jul 03, 2014 EE S.A. (ENERGI
BULGARIA TANDEM FILM
CANADA MÉTROPOLE FILMS
FRANCE Apr 23, 2014 METROPOLITAN FI
FRANCE UNDER THE MILKY
GERMANY Oct 23, 2014 EUROVIDEO MEDIE
HUNGARY ADS SERVICE LTD
ISRAEL FILMHOUSE
ITALY Feb 06, 2014 EAGLE PICTURES
JAPAN NEW SELECT CO.
KUWAIT Oct 03, 2013 KUWAIT NATIONAL
NETHERLAND Jun 25, 2014 ENTERTAINMENT O
POLAND VISION FILM SP.
PORTUGAL Dec 05, 2013 OUTSIDER FILMS
TAIWAN CREATIVE CENTUR
UNITED KIN KALEIDOSCOPE HO
UNITED KIN Apr 11, 2014 KALEIDOSCOPE FI
VENEZUELA BLANCO & TRAVIE


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