Some stories feel almost too perfect to be true, until you realise they actually happened.
On 19 December 2025, a South African animated film called David was released in cinemas across North America. What made the moment remarkable was not just the scale of the release, but the company it kept. The film opened on the same day as Avatar: Fire and Ash, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants, and The Housemaid, placing it alongside some of the biggest and most recognisable entertainment properties in the world.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Inspired by the timeless biblical story, David tells the tale of a young shepherd who steps forward to face a giant with nothing but a sling, a few stones, and unwavering faith. In a beautiful case of life reflecting art, the film itself delivered a David-and-Goliath moment of its own at the North American box office.
Released across more than 3,000 screens, David earned an impressive $22 million in its opening weekend, finishing second overall and trailing only Avatar: Fire and Ash. This marked the largest three-day opening in the history of Angel Studios, surpassing even Sound of Freedom, which went on to earn over $250 million worldwide.
The milestone did not stop there. David achieved the highest-grossing opening weekend ever in the United States for a faith-based animated film, outperforming beloved classics such as The King of Kings and the Oscar-winning The Prince of Egypt. It also became the strongest opening for a South African film in North America since District 9 in 2009, highlighting the growing global impact of South African storytelling.
Four weeks after its release, the film continues to perform strongly, remaining in the US top ten and surpassing $75 million at the American box office alone. It now ranks at number 35 on Box Office Mojo’s list of the highest-grossing films of 2025 in US cinemas and sits comfortably within the top ten animated films of the year, even before completing its full theatrical run.
Behind the success of David is an inspiring creative journey. The film was directed by Phil Cunningham and Brent Dawes, both born in Zimbabwe and now based in Cape Town. Together, they led a team of more than 400 local and international artists and crew members, working both at Sunrise Productions’ studio in Noordhoek and remotely across 32 countries. The project represents years of dedication, collaboration, and belief in the power of storytelling.
Phil Cunningham described the release as the culmination of three decades of dreaming, planning, learning, and perseverance, noting how meaningful it has been to see the film resonate so deeply with audiences around the world. Brent Dawes reflected on the privilege of working with a global team united by a shared vision, describing the experience as a powerful reminder of what is possible when passion and talent come together.
The film has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. Rotten Tomatoes praised its “gorgeously animated backgrounds”, while The New York Times highlighted its “surprisingly magnificent” attention to detail. Variety described David as a spectacular showcase of the technical excellence of South African animation. Audience response has been equally strong, with the film earning an A CinemaScore and a 98 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Musically, the film features Grammy nominee Phil Wickham as the voice of the adult David, supported by a sweeping score composed by Joseph Trapanese, known for his work on The Greatest Showman. The result is a musical epic that has clearly struck a chord with viewers across generations.
David remains on screen in both North America and South Africa, with plans to expand into 44 international markets by 1 January 2027. Its success stands as a proud moment for South African animation, creative collaboration, and storytelling that travels far beyond borders.
Sometimes a story arrives at exactly the right moment. And sometimes, that story reminds the world just how powerful belief, creativity, and persistence can be.
Watch the official trailer, which has over 5m views:
Book now via Ster-Kinekor or Nu Metro.
For more information, visit the official website.
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