Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende is Luma Animation’s long-term screen and publishing project built around one of South Africa’s most cherished storybook characters. The project begins with an illustrated chapter book published by Human & Rousseau and extends to a full-length 3D animated feature film in development for local and international audiences.

Based on Verna Vels’ final feature screenplay, the project combines the humour and handmade charm of Blommeland with a new visual world developed by Luma Animation under acclaimed character artist and production designer Allan Cameron.

In 2007, award-winning producer Dumi Gumbi approached Verna Vels to develop an original full-length animated feature screenplay. Gumbi later partnered with Paul Meyer and Luma Animation to develop the project and bring Blommeland to the screen.

Inspired by Vels’ 1999 story Liewe Heksie en die Rotbende, the screenplay expanded the adventure with interwoven storylines, new characters and a runaway spaceship, or, as Heksie calls it, a “flying porridge plate”. 

Working closely with Vels in Brixton, Johannesburg, Cameron reimagined the characters and their world for animation.

When the Yellow Witch of Gifappeltjieland and the greedy Rotbende steal the magical Silver Rose, Blommeland begins to wither. With a bewitched Skoenhond, a malfunctioning flying saucer and a royal birthday party in chaos, Heksie and her companions must save their home.

“This book, and the feature film now in development, carry Verna’s vision forward for a new generation.”
— Paul Meyer, CEO and Director, Luma Animation