Based on a book by Phil Cunningham, Africa's first animated feature tells the tale of three ragtag orphans who set out to find the Sky Kingdom while trying to outrun the Underground City's evil emperor and his pack of hyenas.

Release 2003

Runtime 76 min

Genre Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy

The Legend of the Sky Kingdom represents the remarkable origins of Sunrise Animation Studios. Produced during a period of political unrest and extreme shortages in Zimbabwe, this groundbreaking film was created using stop-motion animation with puppets built entirely from recycled materials. The camera rig itself was improvised from bicycle parts.

This resourceful, against-all-odds production exemplifies the creative spirit and determination that has defined Sunrise from the beginning.

Awards & Recognition

Year	Award	Festival
2003	Best Animation	African Eye Animation Festival
2003	Marble Z Award (Children’s Jury)	Zagreb Animation Festival
2003	Audience Award	Anima Mundi (São Paulo)
2003	2nd Place	Anima Mundi (Rio de Janeiro)

Legacy

Following this groundbreaking debut, Sunrise transitioned into 3D CG animation, launching their flagship series Jungle Beat in 2003 and eventually relocating to Cape Town, South Africa.

The “junkmation” spirit — innovation through constraints, creativity born from limitation — remains at the heart of everything Sunrise creates today.

Credits

Director Roger Hawkins

Writer Phil Cunningham