As the people of Zimbabwe prepare for presidential elections on March 9 and 10, their lives are fraught with
pre-election violence, serious staple food shortages, drought, fear, hatred and deception. But in the midst of this
chaos - there is a glimmer of light! Despite the difficult political, social and economic circumstances prevailing in
the country for two years now, a group of young people of all races have banded together to form a company, raise money
and embark on an exciting new project. Aptly named Sunrise, the company is looks forward to a new dawn for Zimbabwe -
and is actively preparing for it. With a broad and ambitious vision concerning its role in the world-wide multi-media
industry, Sunrise is a fledgling production and distribution company - busy producing its first feature-length animation
fantasy. Staffed by an energetic and creative team of talented professionals, the company is committed to producing high
quality films and videos, and to distributing these products - and others sourced internationally - throughout the
world.
"We believe our strength lies in our unique blend of originality and talent. We bring to the sophisticated modern art of
film-making a fresh and revolutionary approach - combining raw and exciting visual material with a commitment to human
reality, experience and need," says Managing Director Phil Cunningham.
Sunrise Media incorporates two operating divisions - Sunrise Productions and Sunrise Marketing and Distribution.
Sunrise Productions is currently producing a 90 minute stop-frame animation film - The Legend of the Sky Kingdom - in
Zimbabwe. The production is fully financed with 50 minutes under the belt and a global release deadline of November
2002.
Cunningham, who is also the author of the script and producer of the film, explains: "Using model animation, we have
developed an extremely original African-flavoured style within this discipline. The story is of three children who make
a daring escape from the underground city in which they live. They are in search of the Sky Kingdom and the great prince
Ariel. An epic journey follows the escape, with the Evil Emperor of Zeboim doing everything to try and stop them. In a
dramatic roller coaster ride, the journey unfolds and as it does - so do their characters."
Future plans for the production division include feature films and television productions, publishing for children and
teenagers, video games and DVDs.
The marketing division is currently seeking product abroad for distribution throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East
while also investigating international markets for the products of Sunrise Productions and other African multi-media
materials.
Wilf Mbanga, an experienced journalist and marketing consultant working with Sunrise Marketing and Distribution, says
the company is committed to being an innovative and dynamic player in the global multi-media industry - creating,
producing and marketing films which portray human reality, touch the human spirit and respond to human needs.
In addition, he adds, Sunrise is uniquely placed to offer the rest of the world a unique insight into the dynamic
African renaissance - with its rich and fascinating culture and value systems.
Issued on behalf of Sunrise by Activate Communications, tel +263-4-885107, mbanga@hms.co.zw
Contact details:
a.. Sunrise Media and Sunrise Productions Phil Cunningham - phil@hummbird.icon.co.zw
PO Box BW 569, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 882721, +263 4 870573
Fax: +263 4 882721
Mobile: +263 (0)11 605 674
a.. Sunrise Marketing and Distribution Ewen Findlay
ewen@hummbird.icon.co.zw
PO Box BW 569, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 882721 or 870573
Mobile: +263 (0)91 225 874
Wilf and Trish Mbanga
mbanga@hms.co.zw
19 Courtenay Road, Chisipite, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 885107
Fax: +263 4 850168
Mobile: +263 (0)11 409 531