Unu Dum: Animated Short Film

Unu Dum: A Playful Animated Igbo Folktale

A high quality Igbo folktale cartoon created for children to enjoy learning about African indigenous traditions

Storytelling Meets Cultural Preservation for African Indigenous Culture

Welcome to "Unu Dum," an enchanting Igbo folktale that is for the first time ever brought to life through the magic of stunning animation and with an original, joyous song—keeping children especially in mind.

Join us on a journey to celebrate the rich heritage of Igbo culture and folklore while inspiring the imaginations of children and families worldwide!

Retelling a Classic Igbo Folktale

At the heart of "Unu Dum" lies a timeless tale passed down through generations in Igbo culture. Our groundbreaking animated short film breathes new life into this cherished folktale, captivating audiences with its vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.

The story revolves around the cunning tortoise, a beloved character in Igbo folklore, whose antics and adventures have captivated audiences for centuries. In "Unu Dum," we delve into the origins of the tortoise's segmented shell, unraveling the mystery behind this iconic feature.

"Unu Dum: The Animated Igbo Folktale”

"In a time of famine in the land of Idu na Oba, a cunning tortoise devises a plan to persuade a group of birds to assist him in reaching a banquet in the sky kingdom. However, beneath his charming facade lies a more sinister agenda."

Stay with us, and let's embark on a journey of discovery, imagination, and cultural celebration with "Unu Dum: The Animated Igbo Folktale."

Honoring the Heritage While Captivating Children’s Minds

As the first- children's cartoon to depict an Igbo folktale, our project holds a special significance in preserving and celebrating African Indigenous traditions. Through meticulous research and collaboration with cultural experts, we ensure that every detail of the folktale is faithfully represented, honoring the wisdom and heritage of the Igbo people.

Using Animation for a Stunning Visual Storytelling Experience

Through the medium of animation, we have the opportunity to transport viewers to the vibrant landscapes of Idu na Oba, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Igbo culture. From lush forests teeming with life to bustling village scenes brimming with color and energy, "Unu Dum" offers a glimpse into a world rich in tradition and folklore.

More than just a retelling of a classic tale, "Unu Dum" serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous storytelling. By sharing this beloved folktale with audiences worldwide, we aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, bridging the gap between diverse communities and celebrating the universal themes that unite us all.

Rewards

In appreciation of your support, we've curated a range of exciting rewards exclusively for our backers. From movie character merch like stickers an English & Igbo illustrated storybook to plush dolls, custom designed Unu Dum oja flute and Akwete fabrics. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy.

(Due to the fact that GoFundMe fulfillment is not as seemless as Kickstarter, please email us if you would like to receive one of the following rewards for your generous contribution.)

Thank you

Thank you from the official Ikenga Nation X (formerly known as Twitter) account.

Unu Dum Stickers

A collection of stickers made of images inspired by the Unu Dum film.

Virtual Premiere Ticket ONLY

Attend an exclusive early virtual screening with the cast and crew of "Unu Dum". After the screening, have a conversation with the creators of the film about your thoughts and the making of the film.

Virtual Premiere Ticket package

Attend the virtual private screening with the creators of the film, ask your questions and have a discussion. PLUS, get all other gifts as a thank you for your generous support!

Children's Book ONLY

You get an Unu Dum illustrated Children's book which is based on the plot and characters from our short film. This perk includes the book only and no other gifts.

Digital Producer

You are officially part of this process. We recognize and encourage your contributions. Your support deserves recognition. That is why we offer people who make a donation of this amount or more Digital Producer credit in this season that we produce. You will also receive all of the other listed rewards.

Maazi Agu plush doll ONLY

Maazi Agu is the central character in our brand and plays a huge role in the film. Those who watch the film will see and love him, and this plush doll will become a hot commodity. So, we offer it to you as a gift for your generous support. This perk includes the doll only and no other gifts.

Unu Dum Illustrated Children's Book

Get an illustrated children's book based on the plot of Unu Dum plus all of the listed rewards.

Custom Unu Dum Oja flute ONLY

We are offering a custom made oja flute that is styled with Nsibidi and colors that are specially themed based on the Unu Dum story. This is a limited edition oja that you won't be able to get from anywhere else in the world. These backers will also get digital producer credit and a ticket to the exclusive virtual premiere of the film with the show creators.

Doll & Children's Book package

For your generous support, we are offering a plush Maazi Agu doll, our Unu Dum illustrated children's book, your name listed in our digital producer section in our end credits, a ticket to the virtual private screening, plus a thank you shout out from our twitter account and custom Unu Dum themed stickers.

Animation Workshop w/ our Lead Animator

As a special limited gift we are offering limited access to a special live online 4 hour animation workshop with our lead animator, Chidubem Onwuzu. Chidubem will teach you the basics of how to animate through live demonstration, and lecture on the principles. Or you can get your animation work reviewed.

We are also including a ticket to the virtual premiere of our movie and will include your name in the end credits in our Digital Producer section. No other physical gifts will be included with this perk.

Igbo Bootcamp w/ Ocha Tk

Get a limited edition 4 hour Igbo bootcamp with Ocha Tk. Ocha is fluent in many dialect of Igbo, and even teaches math and science in Igbo for Mmuta Di Uto. During this session, Ocha will answer any questions that have been stumping you about the Igbo language while going over the fundamentals so that by the end of the session, you will be able to engage with Igbo content and Igbo speakers with some level of comfort.

Nsibidi Bootcamp w/ Ama Chi

Ama Chi is known on social media for promoting Nsibidi. Nsibidi is a writing system found in West Africa. It was featured in the film Black Panther and is gaining popularity. It is currently under review to become established in Unicode. Ama Chi has agreed to host a 4 hour bootcamp teaching the basics of how to write in this script to people who pledge at this tier.

We are also including a ticket to the virtual premiere of our film and will include your name in our end credits in our Digital Producer section. No other physical gifts will be included with this perk.

Igbo & Nsibidi bootcamps + Oja flute

Get access to both the Nsibidi bootcamp and the Igbo bootcamp and also get the customized limited edition Unu Dum oja flute which is designed specially with Nsibidi symbols that represent stylistically the themes of the film.

Igbo & Nsibidi Bootcamps + Ankara bookbag

Receive excellent instruction on how to speak Igbo, learn how to decode Nsibidi writing system and also get a stylish ankara backpack to carry your school supplies, work materials or just anything you like inside of it.

Personalized Character Design

You get a custom animated print of yourself or family member or friend by our animation team. See what you would look like in cartoon form. Plus, get all of the other listed perks.

Associate Producer

Receive Associate Producer Credit On The Film and be listed as such everywhere this film is distributed. Plus, receive a handmade akwete fabric as a thank you gift for your contribution along with other listed rewards. You will also be offered a choice between the custom oja flute, ankara bookbag or a personalized character design.

Co-Executive Producer

You will be listed as Co-Executive Producer (Co-EP) on this project everywhere this project is distributed. You will also receive all the additional listed rewards for your generous support.

Preserving Culture: Paying a Tribute to Ancestors

Through "Unu Dum", we invite audiences of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder, as we pay homage to the wisdom of our ancestors and the enduring power of storytelling. This becomes particularly important in a world where cultures face the threat of erasure due to conflicts and modernization, capturing and preserving indigenous folktales has never been more vital.

"Unu Dum" is not just a film; it's a testament to the resilience and richness of Igbo heritage, serving as a cultural bridge for both Igbo language learners and families eager to explore diverse narratives. Join us as we breathe new life into this timeless tale and embark on an adventure that will captivate hearts and minds for generations to come.

Echoes of Wisdom: Exploring the Vibrant Tradition of Igbo Folktales in Nigeria's Eastern Region

In the eastern region of Nigeria, the Igbo tribe boasts a vibrant cultural heritage steeped in the tradition of storytelling through folktales. Passed down from ancestors to descendants, these tales serve as repositories of cultural norms, moral teachings, and communal values, fostering a sense of unity and identity within the community. Within this rich tapestry of storytelling, Igbo folktales captivate audiences with their vivid depictions of spiritual realms and traditional aspirations, blending entertainment with valuable life lessons. Despite their seemingly fictional nature, these tales are rooted in truths that echo the realities of Igbo culture, embodying the essence of wisdom passed down through generations. It is in this context that "Unu Dum" is born.

Where The Project Stands

Currently in the animation phase. Until now we have been bootstrapping this project, and were able to produce a 1 minute and 30 second music video and some scenes of the film. However, we have reached a phase where we are seeking your support to bring "Unu Dum" to completion. Your contributions will go towards covering animation costs, editing, sound effects, and other essential production expenses. Additionally, funds will support logistical, legal, and business aspects surrounding the project's execution.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN - 50K Stretch Goal

Sound Design & Music Composition - 10k

Enhanced Additional Animation - 20k

VFX - 5k

Business & Legal Expenses - 10k

Kickstarter Fees - 5k

If we raise more than our goal, the money will go towards the following:

English dub or subtitle (depending on demand)

Animating a new Igbo folktale (to be determined which one(s))

Why We’re Asking You to Stand With Us

By supporting "Unu Dum," you become a vital part of preserving and promoting Igbo culture and folklore for generations to come. Your backing enables us to showcase the vibrancy and depth of African storytelling traditions on a global stage, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Dr. Pete Edochie, a giant in Nollywood, has been a huge supporter of our work

We have many parts of the project advanced but we can only complete the production of “Unu Dum” with your support, which is why we invite you to:

● Choose one of the great rewards that we’re offering to get early and special access to the film while also showing your support to our project

● Share this campaign on social media to help us get the word out about "Unu Dum: The Animated Igbo Folktale”

● Talk to your friends and family members about "Unu Dum: The Animated Igbo Folktale”—they may also want to support it

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, celebrated musician and folklorist endorses Unu Dum project

Project Timeline

With the successful completion of this Kickstarter by June 1, 2024. We hope to begin the final phases of the animation project which will include:

About Us

“Unu Dum” is the brainchild of a dedicated and dynamic team of writers, animators, voice actors, and creatives who share a deep reverence for Igbo folklore and a commitment to its preservation. With boundless passion and expertise, we have come together to breathe new life into this beloved folktale, leveraging innovative new media and musical accompaniment to create an immersive and unforgettable experience. Through our collaborative efforts, "Unu Dum" emerges as a vibrant celebration of African Indigenous traditions, inviting audiences to embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Igbo culture.

Risks and challenges

Our primary challenge lies in garnering sufficient support from backers to propel our project forward. However, once we secure the essential funds to breathe life into our vision, we foresee no significant risks looming on the project's horizon. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining transparent communication with our backers, ensuring they are consistently informed about the project's progress and development every step of the way.

Follow us on social media

https://instagram.com/maaziagu

https://facebook.com/maaziagu

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsYsgOrQUbmbP5RRRZ3Btjg