SA’s first 3-D movie comes to Zambia

“Jock of the Bushveld”, South Africa’s first 3-D movie, set to enchant global audiences with the world’s favourite dog story

Hollywood came to Johannesburg this week for the world premiere of South Africa’s first fully 3-D animated movie, Jock of the Bushveld. And the movie goes on release in Zambia on Friday, July 29, at Sterkinekor cinema, Arcades, Lusaka.

Five years in the making, the film tells the true story of a brave dog’s adventures and is set to enchant global audiences while showcasing South Africa’s burgeoning animation and film industry.

With Hollywood stars Donald Sutherland, Ted Danson, Helen Hunt and Canadian rocker Bryan Adams joining forces with South Africa’s world-class animators, a whole new generation will be thrilled by the dog that brings a little bit of South African heart to fans everywhere.

‘Jock’ has captured the hearts of millions ever since Sir Percy Fitzpatrick first wrote about the plucky dog’s escapades in the South African bush over 100 years ago.

Jock of the Bushveld is directed and produced by South African Duncan MacNeillie. The stellar cast of voices is supported by Nobel Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who gives spiritual guidance to Jock as the voice of Tata, while acclaimed musician Johnny Clegg provides the stirring soundtrack. The film’s personalities are dominated by international stars including Donald Sutherland as the movie’s narrator, Bryan Adams voicing Jock, Helen Hunt who is the voice of Jock’s mother Jess, and Ted Danson.

“Jock of the Bushveld gives South Africa an opportunity to promote the development of our film industry and to tell our stories. We are really excited to see this industry continuing to grow and flourish,” said Miller Matola, CEO of Brand South Africa. “We have the skills, expertise, creativity and capacity to create internationally-recognised film and animation right here in South Africa. Possibility, diversity and creativity is what South Africa and its film industry stands for.”

According to Matola, the film is a prime example of how the creative industries can be a source of foreign direct investment for South Africa, who said the country’s skill base, culture and heritage made it uniquely positioned to be a leader in world-class film production. Additionally, the film and television industry is a contributor to overall job creation, generating jobs both directly in the industry but also in support sectors.
Matola concluded by saying that the film and television industry is important to South Africa as it plays a central role in communicating ideas, information and opinions: “On a cultural level, it provides us as Africans with a global forum to tell our stories and demonstrate our excellence to each other and the world. That is why South Africa has identified the film and television industry in our latest Industrial Policy Action Plan as a sector to be grown and supported.”
Jock of the Bushveld premiered in South Africa on 19 July 2011.