Khumba to release in English, Afrikaans, Zulu

It will be the first time that Zulu children can watch an animated feature in their own language since Disney released a Zulu version of the Lion King twenty years ago.

The film, which took the number 1 position at the South African box office when it released theatrically, is still on circuit internationally and has been translated into over 20 foreign languages. The dubbing of both the Afrikaans and isiZulu versions was done at Presto Post Production.

The DVD features a number of extras, including the movie trailer, the music video "The Real Me" by Loyiso, a series of previously unreleased outtakes called "Acting Out", a character evolution which describes the personality of each of the animal characters, 'The Karoo - A World of Difference', and finally a glimpse into the development of Nora the sheep voiced by Catherine Tate in 'Nora, a great partnersheep'.

"The film has all the makings of a classic tale: it's well told, visually stunning and emotionally evocative," says Helen Kuun of Indigenous Film Distribution. "It's like 'The Lion King' of the 21st century. To be able to release a 3D animated film of this quality on DVD in English, isiZulu and Afrikaans is a major achievement."

Local voices

The English version features the voice of Liam Neeson as a malicious leopard, as well as the voices of Jake T Austin, AnnaSophia Robb, Laurence Fishburne and Steve Buscemi, among others.

In the isiZulu version, the role of Khumba is voiced by Siphiwe Nkosi, a singer and film, television and theatre actor best known for his role as the uncle of the title character in the popular SABC1 sitcom 'Nomzamo'. The role of Nora the sheep is voiced by Gcina Mkhize, a familiar face form 'Gaz'lam' 'eKasi' and the SABC1 drama series 'Intersexions'. Actress and voice artist Jessie Palmer takes on the role of bighearted wildebeest Mama V, while Bradley, the insecure ostrich, is voiced by gospel star Neyi Zimu.

The Afrikaans version features the voices of several well-known Afrikaans actors who will be familiar to local audiences. The voice over artists are directed by radio and television personality Bettie Kemp, who is herself an experienced voice artist, news reader and continuity announcer. Popular actor and comedian Hannes Brümmer provides the voice for Khumba, with Rika Sennet as his mother. Veteran voice artist and actor Francois Stemmet is the voice for the evil Phango. Afrikaans musician and actor Lochner de Kock voices the meerkat dad, while the loony old sheep is voiced by cabaret star and actress Elzabé Zietsman.

International success

The film was in competition at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market (MIFA), which took place in France from 10 to 15 June. This is one of the world's premiere animation festivals and is attended by around 7,000 animators and more than 400 journalist from around the world.

In addition, the film was screened and officially selected at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held from 5-15 September 2013. It has also been sold to most of the major territories worldwide.

A film for everyone, it has been given a "Family-Approved" seal by The Dove Foundation, a US-based organisation that reviews movies and awards its stamp of approval to those deemed suitable for family viewing, giving it broad appeal.

For more information, go to www.khumbamovie.com.