Many should still be unaware of the South African animated film, David. Nevertheless it’s shortly turning into the final word South African feel-good story of 2026. And the excellent news is it’s nonetheless exhibiting at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas across the nation. Nonetheless, it’s away from dwelling, in america, that this South African animated film is making waves.
In true David-vs-Goliath model, it’s presently in second place on the weekend Hollywood field workplace, behind solely Avatar: Hearth and Ash. It’s earned $75 million (roughly R1.23 billion) throughout 3 000 screens in North America since Christmas. This locations it forward of one other main animated studio film, The SpongeBob Film: Seek for Squarepants.
SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMATED MOVIE – DAVID
Higher nonetheless, the South African animated film broke a number of historic milestones in its opening week on the field workplace, reviews NovaNews.
Highest three-day opening for Angel Studios, surpassing Sound of Freedom.
Prime-grossing opening weekend ever within the US for a faith-based animated movie.
Finest North American opening for a South African movie since District 9 in 2009.
Higher nonetheless, 4 weeks since its debut, the South African animated film stays within the Prime 10 US field workplace. Spectacular when you think about the movie confronted a crowded market on its Christmas launch, competing in opposition to two of cinema’s greatest franchises – Avatar and SpongeBob.
MADE IN NOORDHOEK, CAPE TOWN
The South African animated film was co-directed by two Cape City-based filmmakers, Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes. They led a group of greater than 400 native and worldwide animators and artists, throughout 32 international locations, from Noordhoek’s Dawn studio.
“After 30 years of dreaming, planning, working, failing and attempting once more, it’s unimaginable to see the movie on the market. And it’s fantastic to listen to so many tales of how the movie is genuinely encouraging and galvanizing individuals,” says Cunningham.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ANIMATED MOVIE
In the meantime, moreover box-office success, there’s been widespread trade recognition for the South African animated film:
New York Instances referred to as it ‘surprisingly magnificent.’
Rotten Tomatoes praised the movie’s ‘gorgeously animated backgrounds.’
Selection hailed it a ‘spectacular showcase for the technical capabilities of South African animation.’
Likewise, audiences have responded enthusiastically, with a CinemaScore of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Grammy nominee Phil Wickham voices the grownup David. And the rating consists by The Best Showman’s Joseph Trapanese.
However what do you assume? Are you pleased with a South African animated film doing so nicely internationally? Make sure to tell us within the feedback part under …
