The Legend of the Sky Kingdom

The Legend of the Sky Kingdom is a 2003 animated feature film directed by Roger Hawkins. Produced in Harare, Zimbabwe, the film was the first full-length animated feature film to come out of Africa.[1] It was based on a children's book of the same name by Phil Cunningham, who was also the film's producer.

The Legend of the Sky Kingdom
DVD cover
Directed byRoger Hawkins
Written byPhil Cunningham
Produced byPhil Cunningham
Jacqui Cunningham
StarringJason Linforth
Miriam Hamblin
Gabriel Phillips
Wina Msamati
Rodney Newman
Music byAndrew Baird
Release date
October 2003 (South Africa)
Running time
73 minutes
CountryZimbabwe
LanguageEnglish

It was in the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival (African Horizons section)[2] and premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in October 2003.[3] It also screened at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Seoul Animation Film Festival, The London Film Festival, The New York African Film Festival, Sithengi/Cape Town World Cinema Festival[4] and Bath Film Festival.[5]

The film has been described as an allegorical tale with the theme of "believing is seeing".

Plot

Three enslaved orphans (Blockhead, Lucky and Squidge) work in the goldmines in the Underground City ruled by the Evil Emperor, and wish for freedom from their gruelling situation. Along with other characters, they escape from the mines and are briefly imprisoned, and make a second getaway to search for a mythical Sky Kingdom. The group appeal to higher forces when confronted by various challenges[6] such as being chased by hyenas,[7] but eventually reach the Sky Kingdom.

Production

The film was animated using stop motion animation and was made by a team of fifteen people between 1999 and 2002[8][9] across two studios.[10] Music from the movie includes a range of singers including Zimbabwean cricketer Henry Olonga.

The found-object aesthetic of the film has been described by the filmmakers as "junkmation", a stylistic choice necessitated by budget considerations as well as inspired by the wire and metalwork of Africa's folk artists, who often transform discarded items into works of art.[2] Director Roger Hawkins described this as wanting to achieve a fresh and unique style linked with Africa. The team sorted and selected junk items from a vacant lot next to their office.[10]

The filmmakers also spent two years custom-building a motion camera out of bicycle parts because they did not have the funds to buy a professional one.

The film does not include a credit listing, as the filmmakers wanted to emphasise the core message of the film instead.[10]

Videovision Entertainment acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the film.[2]

Reception

Variety reviewed the film as having a clever found-object look appealing more to grown-ups, but the dialogue and ethnic-stereotype voice performances were a detraction.[6]

It reached the top five in the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Urther Rwafa has described the film as challenging and subverting Zimbabwe's political censorship.[11]

See also

References
  1. Bendazzi, Giannalberto (2016). Animation: A World History: Volume III: Contemporary Times. FOCAL. p. 303. ISBN 978-1138035324.
  2. de Jager, Christelle (16 October 2003). "Videovision inks for toon 'Legend'". Daily Variety. 281 (9): 6. ISSN 0011-5509.
  3. "Courier Market". Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2006-12-18.
  4. "Sunrise To Premiere Latest Offering At Film Festival". All Africa. 19 July 2006.
  5. "World class cinema, classics and innovation at festival". Wiltshire Times. 5 November 2009.
  6. Harvey, Dennis (8 September 2003). "The Legend of the Sky Kingdom". Variety. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  7. Hunter, Joanna (18 October 2003). "A kid's life: The Times 47th London bfi Film Festival". The Times.
  8. Moodie, Gill (17 November 2002). "Young Movie-Makers Turn Junk Into Art". All Africa.
  9. "Animation Fantasy Film Now Out". All Africa. 14 February 2003.
  10. Horrocks, Jenny; Vickers, Steve (27 November 2003). "Artbeat: The Legend of the Sky Kingdom". BBC. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  11. Rwafa, Urther (January 2012). "The fantastic subversion of censorship in the film The Legend of the Sky Kingdom". Latin American Report. 28 (1): 288–297. ISSN 0256-6060.
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