A Ray Of Hope From Zimbabwe

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

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