Characters

Kiburi
(the cub)



Kiburi (previously named "Safari" is a lion cub and the main character of my thesis film, KIBURI. At first I wanted to name the main character of my film 'Safari' because in Swahili this name translates to mean 'journey' in English. I had chosen this name for my character to symbolize not only his journey in finding his family, but to represent the continuous journey of life we must all embark on. Shortly after I decided for the cub's name to be the same as the title of the piece, 'Kiburi' to reinforce the idea that the character must give up his self pride and find the importance in helping others in order to find his own way home. Plus, I love the way 'Kiburi' sounds!

Design/Surfacing/Fur: Justin Melillo
Model: Tavvon Reynolds

music: 'August's Rhapsody' -August Rush (soundtrack)



Mlezi
(the fly)



Mlezi is the fly who tries to help the lion cub (Safari) on his journey to find his family. 'Mlezi' in Swahili translates to 'guardian' in English. I have chosen this name for the fly because throughout the film he acts as Safari's guardian and protector, attempting to guide him home.

Design/Modeling/Surfacing/Fur: Justin Melillo

music: 'August's Rhapsody' -August Rush (soundtrack)