Too often what we read from South Africa is depressing. But I’m going to avoid the most recent example of it* and the Gellerism/Stalker Racism it may engender in favor of something positive;

‘Zambezia’: 3D animation puts South Africa film in the picture

He’s got blue wings, an adventurous spirit and is poised to be the latest film star to come out of South Africa.

A high-spirited young falcon, Kai is the main character in “Zambezia,” a new South African 3D animation film featuring an all-star voice cast, including Hollywood A-listers Samuel L. Jackson, Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy and Jeremy Suarez.

Set in the majestic Victoria Falls and inspired by southern Africa’s startling artwork, “Zambezia” is hoping to put South African animation on the map while enthralling children around the world with its uplifting message of togetherness.

SNIP

The movie, which is targeted toward children aged five to 11, tells the story of Kai, an intrepid young falcon that’s brought up by his strict father in an isolated outpost. His lonely life is turned upside down when a kooky bird crashes into his world and tells him of Zambezia — a bustling bird city where “there’s amazing food, music, sights and sounds.”

A talented flier, Kai decides to leave his isolated upbringing behind him and explore life in Zambezia. He quickly realizes, however, that getting by in a city can be more difficult and demanding than living alone.

Yet, after joining Zambezia’s air force and defending it from a band of marauding lizards, he also discovers the true values of teamwork and community sharing.

It sounds like a good kids movie, though I’m not keen to be seen as the bad guy. To my knowledge, the only places ravaged by the Lizard Army have been nests of trolls and Morlocks.