African CG (Computer Genereted) Animation: The Zambezia Trailer And The Khumba Trailer

Hey Black Family,

WHOOOOAAA! I have to share this with y'all!

Embedded below are promo trailers to two African CG (Computer Generated) animation films produced by Triggerfish Animation called Zambezia and Khumba. I tell you... just watching these trailers just brought out the inner child in me so much. I haven't been this HAPPY about watching something from the animation genre since I discovered Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998) and the sequel Kirikou And The Wild Beast (2005) a few years ago.

These new, Zambezia and Khukma, that I discovered via ShadowandAct.com (my one and only favorite film website that I LOVE to visit for it's African Diasporic appeal) are examples of everything Hollywood is NOT in terms of ethnic and cultural diversity. In other words, these films are un-American and have their own flava which is so refreshing and needed!!! Though I will say I did enjoy the Hollywood made Madagascar series of animation films, but though they have some Afrocentricity to it (some settings in Africa and the characters are voiced by some African-American talent such as Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett-Smith), they're really dumbed-down Afrocentric presentations which is not surprising as they need to appeal to a white audience; they can't be TOO ETHNIC or TOO BLACK, know what I mean??? The Madagascar series short films are qool, but they don't hold a candle to the Kirikou films or these two new African gems.

Anyway, you can check out the clips below FIRST (both trailers run about 8 or 9 minutes total) and then you can head over to ShdaowandAct.com and read the whole backstory. Both Zambezia and Khumba are due for release in 2011.

Wheeeeeeeee! Qoolness!... just the little boy in me!

ME (Little ROD) Back In The Day


Zambezia Synopsis:

On the edge of an enormous waterfall, in the heart of Africa, lies the bird city of Zambezia. Famous for its impregnable defenses against egg predators, it has become the breeding sanctuary for birds from throughout the river valley. With half of its massive Baobab shell gone, Zambezia City is the ultimate tree house, humming with birds on every level, from its roots at the base, to the platforms high in the leafy tops.

Aero, a young Taita Falcon from a remote outpost, is the protagonist of the story. He dreams of flying on the prestigious River Watch. When Aero’s father is captured by the treacherous Marabous, he is forced to abandon his outpost and flee to Zambezia. However, Aero soon finds himself at the centre of a deadly plot concocted by the Marabous – who have joined forces with giant, egg-eating lizards – to overthrow Zambezia and return things back to “every bird for himself”. If Aero is to save Zambezia, he will have to learn that not all battles are won with fast and fancy flying.

Website: zambeziamovie.com

Zambezia from Triggerfish Animation on Vimeo.

Khumba, Synopsis:

Khumba, the story of a half-striped zebra, born into an insular, isolated herd obsessed with stripes. Rumors that the strange foal is cursed spread and, before long, he is blamed for the drought that sets in. When 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 Trailer




Sopo (short film)
A Triggerish Film Project