Ozi: Voice of the Forest is a 2023 animated film written by Ricky Roxburgh and directed by Tim Harper.[1][2] This film marked the final film role of Donald Sutherland before his death on June 20, 2024 at the age of 88 years. The film addresses the topic of deforestation and other ecological issues.
| Ozi: Voice of the Forest | |
|---|---|
 UK theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Tim Harper |
| Screenplay by | Ricky Roxburgh |
| Story by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Edited by | Mélanie Moulin |
| Music by | |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by |
|
Release dates |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Countries |
|
| Language | English |
Plot
editOzi is a female orangutan baby living in the forest with her parents. One night, a fire provoked by humans separates her from her family. She is saved by Kirani, an environmental worker who manages a foster home for orphaned primates. After a few years Ozi manages to master sign language and becomes, through a translation device, an online influencer through educational videos. Later, she receives a tablet from a company inviting her to visit but Kirani denies her the present. Ozi opens the tablet at night and discovers the company hosts her parents, who have survived. With the help of Chance, she reaches the facility, a sort of artificial zoo gathering a few animals from the zones the company, which produces palm oil, has destroyed in order to instal palm plantations. When she discovers that, Ozi, with the help of Chance and other animals makes tries to free them from the facility. She only manages to escape death by publishing a video where she reveals the truth about the company, forcing them to stop their current destruction of more forest.
Cast
edit- Amandla Stenberg as Ozi, an orangutan
- Laura Dern as Ozi's Mother
- Donald Sutherland as Smiley, an Albino Crocodile
- Djimon Hounsou as Ozi's Father
- RuPaul as Gurd, an Albino Crocodile and Smiley's son
- Dean-Charles Chapman as Chance
- Rachel Shenton as Kirani Hands
- Urzila Carlson as Honkus
- Kemah Bob as Jelly
- Josh Whitehouse as Peanut
- Hugh Bonneville as The Narrator
Production
editIn July 2021, it was announced that Stenberg and several other actors were cast in voice roles for the film.[1]
In October 2023, it was announced that Signature Entertainment acquired distribution rights to the film in the United Kingdom and Ireland.[2] In June 2024, it was announced that Ketchup Entertainment acquired North American rights to the film.[3]
Release
editThe film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 13, 2023.[4] Full-length scenes of the film were previously revealed at Annecy on June 15, 2022.[5] It was released in theaters in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2024.[6]
Reception
editA review in The Guardian wrote, "Orangutan Ozi is an eco chimpfluencer in a film whose excellent animation is let down by underdeveloped characters and blind faith in social media activism."[7]
"Using clever narrative tricks, the story highlights the challenges animals face when their habitat is destroyed, offering a different perspective on the difficult environmental situation and reflecting on our relationship with nature and the importance of preserving it.", commented Il Mattino.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b Kroll, Justin (July 12, 2021). "Amandla Stenberg, Laura Dern And Donald Sutherland Among Those Joining Environmental Animated Pic 'Ozi'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ a b Ritman, Alex (October 31, 2023). "AFM: Leonardo DiCaprio's All-Star Animated Feature 'Ozi: Voice of the Forest' Sells to Signature for U.K., Ireland (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (June 11, 2024). "Ketchup Entertainment Takes North America On Animated Feature 'Ozi, Voice Of The Forest' Starring Amandla Stenberg". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Bleasdale, John (June 14, 2023). "Leonardo DiCaprio and Mike Medavoy Produced 'Ozi, Voice of the Forest' Kicks Off Kids' Franchise to Save the Environment". Variety. Archived from the original on September 4, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (June 9, 2022). "Star-Studded 'Ozi: Voice of the Forest' Feature Reveals First Look at Annecy". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (July 10, 2024). "Trailer: 'Ozi: Voice of the Forest' Introduces Audiences to the Orangutan Eco Hero". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ Hoad, Phil (2024-08-10). "Ozi: Voice of the Forest review – simian version of Greta Thunberg takes on evil corporation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2024-09-04. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Ozi - La Voix de la Forêt". www.ilmattino.it (in French). 2024-07-01. Archived from the original on 2024-09-04. Retrieved 2024-08-24.