CHUMA (working title) is an action-driven, historical drama, that chronicles the coming of age story of a young African goat herder, the son of a famous Yao warrior. Chuma is swept up in an extraordinary whirlwind of events that snatches him from his simple village life and never lets loose. Through the decimation of his tribe, the massacre of his family, the brutality of fierce Arab slavers, and a chance encounter with an eccentric Scottish explorer, Chuma develops an obsession for justice that culminates in his confrontation with thousands of African warriors on a battlefield...alone.

Production Notes:

The following creative decisions have guided the development of the story:

Chuma's story is revealed, almost exclusively, through the actions and perspectives of historical African characters.
Although Chuma’s destiny is intertwined with Europeans - Dr. David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley, and even Queen Victoria of England - this is first and foremost an African story. Not the story of colonizers. We see this reality through African eyes. A reality that reveals the massive diversity of tribes, nations, landscapes, and cultures that existed when European explorers first arrived on the African continent. It is an astonishing perspective that has almost been completely erased from current histories.

Certain cinemagraphic liberties.
Although Chuma’s story is based on historical people and events, certain cinemagraphic liberties were taken to enrich the narrative and compress time and location.

Demographic focus.
This is not another story about African slavery, with indigenous Africans depicted as depressed, helpless, victims and their anguish under the hands of white colonial slavers. This true story reveals the complexity, strengths, and pride of Africans that could never be vanquished. In addition to our young hero Chuma, and the demonic enemies he must vanquish, the story includes an ensemble cast of strong African female and male allies, mystics, warriors, Kings and Queens who aid and influence Chuma throughout his journey. The coming of age genre has historically proven to appeal to a particularly broad audience.