The 3DCG feature follows teenage orangutan Ozi’s journey across the rainforest to find her parents and stars Laura Dern, Amandla Stenberg, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, RuPaul, Dean Charles Chapman and Rachel Shenton.
Signature Entertainment has just purchased U.K. and Ireland rights to the eco-focused 3DCG animated feature Ozi: Voice of the Forest at the American Film Market, according to THR.
The film had its French premiere at Annecy 2023 this past June. The independently financed feature follows the journey of teenage orangutan Ozi and her friends who set out on a voyage of discovery across the rainforest in a quest to find her parents in a land that has fallen victim to deforestation.
“The talent involved with Ozi: Voice of the Forest on and offscreen, the quality of the animation, and the message behind it are all outstanding; we are genuinely over the moon to add this beautiful film to our ever-growing animation slate,” said Wilkinson to THR. “The whole team fell in love with this little orangutan at first sight, and we hope the rest of the country will do the same next year.”
Added Hedman, “It is a joy to have Signature Entertainment partner with us on this special family feature filled with colorful characters, a super adventure, and a timely message about taking care of our planet. We can’t wait for audiences to meet Ozi and learn more about her world.”
The voice cast includes Amandla Stenberg as Ozi; Laura Dern; RuPaul; Donald Sutherland; and Djimon Hounsou. Tim Harper helms the project alongside creators Keith Chapman (Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder) and Rodrigo Blaas (Pixar’s Wall-E, Finding Nemo). Emmy Award-winning Ricky Roxburgh (Tangled, Spy Kids) wrote the original screenplay.
The Mikros Animation team handled creative development, from concept to delivery. The film features the animation work of over 300 global artists and experts, driven by their passion for storytelling and communicating the underlying social cause.
The film is co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions, GCI Films, and Mikros Animation with DiCaprio; Jennifer Davisson; Phillip Watson of Appian Way; Mike Medavoy; Blaas; Chapman; Adam Stanhope; and Graham Appleby serving as producers.
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