Review of Adventures in Zambezia

Recently Super Mom Blog was invited to the screening of Adventures in Zambezia, which is the first animated feature film produced by Cape Town-based company Triggerfish. The event took place on Wednesday 19 October 2012 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, to launch the Animation Festival in South Africa and was preceded by a cocktail function at The Pavilion.

Adventures in Zambezia was produced by Cape Town’s very own Triggerfish Animation Studios and earlier this year won the Best South African Feature Film category, at the 2012 Durban International Film Festival. The film show-cases the talents and hard work of 80 of SA’s top animators. Triggerfish Animation Studios is on the forefront of animation in Africa and after releasing in 12 weeks, in only the first 5 territories overseas, “Zambezia” is the most successful theatrical feature film to ever be produced by an African studio. The Film took 6 years to make and has premiered in 44 countries overseas and has been rated as the No 1 Film to come out of South Africa.

You will hear the well-known voices of Samuel L. Jackson as Tendai, Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as Ajax, Nik Rabinowitz and Richard E. Grant (Corpse Bride) as Cecil. As well as Jenifer Lewis (Cars, The Princess and the Frog) as Gogo and Jim Cummings (Shrek, Aladdin) as Budzo. The movie is written by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne, Andrew Cook, Wayne Thornley and directed by Wayne Thornley.

The story revolves around a young, high-spirited, falcon called Kai (Jeremy Suarez) and his father Tendai who live in a heavily fortified nest on the edge of a canyon. Kai leaves his father and his home and travels to “Zambezia” – a bird utopia situated in the middle of the spectacular Victoria Falls. Famous for being the safest city in all of Africa, Zambezia has become the breeding sanctuary throughout the river valley where birds of every feather can flock together in harmony and peace.

The peace in Zambezia is threatened by Igauna’s who have enlisted the help of the Marabous, to build a rope bridge to cross the Falls and attack the nests of the other birds. In order to help save Zambezia, Kai has to face his past and with the help of his father and the birds of Zambezia, he sets out to save the day! On his quest to help others, he begins a voyage of self-discovery and he learn more about himself and his capabilities.

The story line is simple enough for children to follow and the animation is colourful and bright with a pleasant soundtrack. There was no subtle adult humour which is often present in other animated movies, this is truly a movie for children. All in all it was a lovely movie to watch and the animation is world-class.

Adventures of Zambezia is due to open in local cinemas on the 28th December 2012.