Set in the exotic country of South Africa, Duma tells the powerful adventure tale of an unbreakable bond of friendship between a cheetah named Duma and an intrepid young boy named Xan, who faces the true test of love when he must cross the whole of Southern Africa to return his best friend to his rightful home in the wilds. On his journey, Xan learns that although many things change, love can remain constant.
Values
Xan and his father have a very close and loving relationship. The addition of Duma to the family bring Xan and Peter, his father even closer together. Peter is a hardworking farmer and a tender father and husband. He teaches Xan practical life lessons and fun ones as well… like how to drive a motorcycle. After rescuing Duma, Peter makes sure Xan understands that they won’t be able to keep him forever. “He's got to go back to the world he came from one day". Peter dies before they have a chance to return Duma to the wild. Inspired by the words of his father, Xan sets out on a journey to return the cheetah back to the wild.
As Xan and Duma start their adventure to cross South Africa, Xan shows his courage and determination. Along the trip he meets Ripkuna, a wandering African trying to find his purpose. Ripkuna decides to helps Xan cross the vast desert. Although Xan is skeptical about Ripkuna's intentions (he thinks Ripkuna wants to sell Duma to a wildlife preserve) the two develop a strong trust and friendship with each other and save each others lives a time or two. The journey leads them back to Ripkuna’s home where he reunites with his family and apologizes tearfully for abandoning them.
This film tells the story of friendship and love. Throughout the adventure Ripkuna tells Xan that no matter what he has done (like take off in the Afircan desert alone) his mother will always love him. Through teaching that to Xan he too realizes his own love for his family which leads him to return home.
