Get ready for a brand new 3D animated series: Media I.M. Incorporated, a leading content distribution firm from London specialising in top-notch animation and family entertainment, have secured the global distribution rights for Zola and Friends. This new creation is birthed from a collaboration between renowned New Delhi-based Wordsword Creations and Ontario-based Double Dot Studios.

Zola & Friends (Media I.M.)

Created by talented Nigerian screenwriter Omotunde Akiode and exceptionally directed by Emmy jury member and Ghanian animation director, Francis Y Brown, the 26-part series each lasting 11 minutes, is set against the backdrop of Tanzania’s Serengeti nature reserve.

Aimed at youngsters aged three to six, the series follows the story of a charismatic white rhino named Zola along with her companions Mosi the monkey, Kito the lizard, and Shani the snake. Together, they set off on exciting adventures across the picturesque Serengeti, interacting with other animals and playing cheerful African tunes within their quaint treehouse dwelling.

Sharing her excitement, Maria Ufland, co-founder of Media I.M with Irina Nazarenko, included:

Everything about Zola and Friends immediately struck a chord. Apart from the magic of the setting and the adorable characters, the series puts a spotlight on the northern white rhinos that are unfortunately on the brink of extinction. Each episode beautifully weaves in strong, positive themes across its storylines and emphasizes the importance of supporting one another despite our flaws.

Irina Nazarenko commented:

Produced with utmost finesse, Zola and Friends perfectly blends authentic African elements with global relevance. Not only does every episode convey an important life message in a fun way, but the series is also very relatable and engaging. Thus, we believe that it holds immense global potential.

WordSword Creations’ co-founder, Capt. Manresh Malhotra, stated:

Zola & Friends captures the heart and soul of African storytelling by celebrating its rich cultural diversity. We are proud to partner with DoubleDot Studios and grateful to have Media I.M. on board for worldwide distribution. This series is set to mark its space in global children’s entertainment with its stunning visuals, captivating music, charming characters, and valuable messages.

Co-founder of WordSword Creations, Catherine John, added:

Zola & Friends is indeed special as the inspiration behind our central character ‘Zola’ is the last surviving female northern white rhinos. This connection deeply resonates with us and we are quite eager to share Zola’s amazing adventures with audiences globally.

Double Dot Studios’ Founder & CEO, Mohammad Banaiee, shared: “Zola and Friends struck me as being unique, fun, and nature-oriented right from the moment Catherine introduced it to me. Since that day, these incredible characters have been part of our lives. We now look forward to sharing them with the world and hoping that they bring joy and happiness to all viewers.”

Currently available in English and foreseen as an ongoing series, Zola and Friends is the second property that Media I.M. has procured in recent times. Following the licensing of preschool YouTube series Tatty and Misifu, Media I.M. is poised to handle worldwide sales of the 2D animated series to international linear and digital platforms, except YouTube, managed directly by the producer, Barcelona-based Toy Town Kids.

This approach originated from Media I.M.’s successful preschool property Sunny Bunnies, which the distributor has managed for close to a decade. Initially launched on YouTube in 2015, Sunny Bunnies now airs in more than 190 countries worldwide.