MovieChat Forums > Duma (2005) Discussion > our Cheetahs thank you

our Cheetahs thank you

posted 18 years ago by ndlovu8
83 replies | jump to latest

We supplied the cheetahs for Duma and my son was one of the team that handled all the cheetahs and bushbabies. I worked the lions. After all the hard work everyone put into the 5 months of prep and 4 months of travel and shooting, we were all so bitterly disappointed by the treatment that the film received from Warners (prompted by the failure of their 'Two Brothers' tiger film). It really is good to read the comments here and to know that people are getting to see the film in some Art house theatres and on DVD - and that families are enjoying Carroll's film. We really had high hopes for the project, maybe it will get 'cult status' and go on and on entertaining people. thanks to all for the support of this great little film.

Jim Stockley
South Africa

[–] jinjimmynie 18 years ago

Aww, good for you! :) I'm quite shocked to see that not many people paid attention to this beautiful film. I really loved it. :D

[–] pattysaffy 18 years ago

I just saw the film and thought it was absolutely superb, watched in here in Turkey on a movie channel. It left me in tears - the story really touched my heart. Thank you for your hard work! How lucky you are to work with those amazing animals.

[–] ndlovu8 18 years ago

How great that it is on show in Turkey ! The reaction that Duma gets wherever it goes just emphasises what a huge mistake Warners made in not promoting this great little film. As a Grandparent I know too well how few good films there are for the whole family - no sooner had Carroll made a really nice one (without gunfire, CGI and exploding drug-dealers) than Warners can it. I'm sure it still looks okay on TV but I'd really have loved to have seen it on the big screen at a cinema.

I know how lucky we are to have our 'two boys' Sasha & Azarro. They live here at our house and have put on a bit of weight since their great adventure. Last year they made another children's film "Elephant Tales" that was released in France last week. They only have a small part (they are the narrators) but they looked really fabulous in the African winter sunshine. They still make the odd TV commercial. The other two cheetahs we used, Nikita and Savannah, have returned to their owner's farm and are doing really well - I saw them a couple of months ago.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] bladerunner-23 18 years ago

we are watching it right now on dvd in the uk. its really good! beautifully made. thanks.

[–] YoPec 18 years ago

It's a great film! I'm sorry that Warners didn't promote it like they should have!! And I really envy you getting to work with the big cats! Purrrr!

[–] ndlovu8 18 years ago

Well, thanks for the kind words Guys. It was a huge team effort and all cedit must go to Mr Ballard. It is very gratifying to know that there are people,like all of you, out there who are finding and enjoying the film (enough to make them come here to find out more). Please tell your friends ;-)

I'll check back here from time to time to see if anyone has any questions

[–] vmkatie2002 18 years ago

If you don't mind me asking, how did you become an animal trainer for films? I am an aspiring animal trainer, training the pets we have now, and having volunteered at Wildlife Safari, getting to be up close with amazing cheetahs. I love the movie, of course it made me miss those times. Anyway, I think I would love training for movies, the challege of fulfilling the director's requests and working with so many different animals. Any suggestions for a senior in high school?

Thanks so much, awesome work on Duma.

[–] ndlovu8 18 years ago

where abouts are you ? in the USA, I guess ? If you are serious then I'd suggest you think about http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/~eatm/, once you have some experience you can then think of joining one of the many animal supply companies that specialise in film work.

I got into it because I come from an animal training background, then moved to zoos then got asked about supplying animals for film and 20 yrs later, here I am ;-) Working in film means understanding the film-making process as well as the animal's welfare needs & requirements - you stand between the two. Moor Park would be a good start. If you are in Europe, I can suggest other starting points.
Good luck

Jim

[–] abauma 17 years ago

Great movie, I had the opportunity to watch it today. Lovely landscapes.

Say Hi to the cheetahs and keep up the good work.

PS: Is there a soundtrack of the movie?

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] lecirquerouge 17 years ago

I grew up watching Born Free, over and over, and over. Tonight I watched this film with my 7 year old, and I thought it was just wonderful!!!!! It also left me in tears. I thought it was beautifully shot, and the cheetahs took my breath away every scene they were in. What a shame that Warners didn't seize the opportunity to promote this movie! There are so few good family movies out there.....This will be a movie I will buy my own copy of and we will surely watch it over and over just as I did with Born Free. Thank you to the film makers and everyone involved!!!!!!!!!

[–] ndlovu8 17 years ago

Thanks for the support Guys, so glad you and your families enjoyed it.

We (me, Jamie and the two cheetahs) just got back from fiming a new ad for N. America. It's for 'Snapple Tea' - look out for Sasha & Azarro sitting on top of the man's Land Rover ;-) It should be out in a few weeks.

[–] LynnAllison 17 years ago

I just saw the movie on HBO yesterday but I had to leave three quarters of the way to attend a yoga class. What a lovely film. I can't wait to catch it again so I know the ending--so now spoilers out there. I am assuming it never made it to the big screen from the posts? What a shame...It must have been very difficult training and filming; so sorry you did not get an apt reward.

[–] pcflyer-1 17 years ago

We're showing it tonight as part of our library film series -- We're sort of an "art house." ;-)

[–] pcflyer-1 17 years ago

PS -- Twenty people came to the library film... that's a lot for us. Gorgeous film footage and I liked the acting, especially the work by the boy and the African man. Love, LOVE, LOVED the cheetahs! It is a shame that Duma didn't get better marketing. A couple of folks said that they missed it during the short time it played in the theaters and were glad to see it on our big screen.

[–] ndlovu8 17 years ago

I bet it looks great on the big screen !

I'm really amazed at how many people find their way here to this board and take the time to post comments. The response to 'Duma' on this board really does show that there is a huge market out there for good quality family films that take kids (and adults!) on an intelligent adventure with good storytelling, that doesn't have to include explosions, sex,violence, bad language & toilet humour.

I just wish it had been a financial success, it would have been great to do a follow up "Duma II" ;-)

[–] ChampagneBubbleofaGirl 17 years ago

my mom and I just wanted to say what a beautiful film and we absolutely loved it! Do your cheetahs live at your home the way that Duma lived at his farm???

[–] ndlovu8 17 years ago

Hi, yes they live AT my house but not IN my house ;-)

Their sleeping accommodation is just outside the backdoor. We tried both of the boys indoors when they were younger but their toilet habits were not really great ! The leather couch and curtains suffered so now they are 'outside cheetahs'.

We got two baby female cheetahs (Tinka & Bella) about 18 months ago and hope to bring Sasha & Azarro together with the girls, sometime during the next 6 months.

[–] starrie_eyed 17 years ago

I just saw "Duma" today on HBO, and it was an excellent film. It's a shame it wasn't promoted better, it has a great story and breath-taking cinematography! I'm definitely going to buy the DVD. I've always loved the "big cats," ever since seeing The Lion King as a kid. You're lucky to be working with such wonderful animals. :) Will be on the lookout for the Duma cheetahs in the Snapple commercial!

[–] infinitely-pie 17 years ago

That must be an incredibly rewarding job.

I only discovered this film when it was being shown on an overseas flight. Since then I've bought the DVD and also purchased a copy for a friend that I thought would enjoy it. It really is a shame this film didn't get more recognition. It's a very sweet film with beautiful cinematography and gorgeous animals.

[–] ndlovu8 17 years ago

Thank you, it is ;-)
That's so nice to hear, that you bought one for your friend.
The boys were very good yesterday in a stills photo session.
Watch out for them in the 'Snapple Tea' ad.....