Phil Cunningham: The Vision Behind “David”—A Cinematic Masterpiece for 2025

Produced in the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, David is an animated musical hailed as “the best animated film of 2025.” With over seven million YouTube views for its trailers and an upcoming release across 44 international markets, this film is set to redefine the animated genre.

The Story Behind “David”

As a remarkable tale unfolds, the young shepherd David stands against the giant Goliath, a story teeming with adventure, courage, and faith. Phil Cunningham, the creator of David, reflects on how this idea has been brewing for 30 years, inspired by his explorations and a love for storytelling.

Creating a Timeless Narrative

Cunningham shares, “The story started 30 years ago, canoeing down the Zambezi River.” This adventure instilled in him a sense of boundless possibility and inspiration from the biblical hero David. “At that stage, we weren’t even in the film business, but that’s where the vision for David was birthed,” he recounts.

Challenges of Adaptation

Adapting a story from the Bible presents unique challenges. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating, “We made every effort to make sure we built it off a well-researched base.” Multiple trips to Israel were undertaken to ensure the film’s accuracy and detail, aiming to resonate deeply with its audience.

Animation: A Universal Language

Why choose animation? By tapping into this powerful medium, David is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. “Animation’s got this incredible power to cross race, cultural, age and gender barriers—better than any other medium,” Cunningham explains.

A Melodic Journey

Why a musical? Given David’s historical significance as a songwriter credited with nearly half the Psalms, creating a musical was a natural choice. “If they could make a musical out of P.T. Barnum’s life, shame on us if we can’t make an amazing musical out of David,” he asserts.

Motherhood in Focus

One of the most poignant elements of the film is David’s relationship with his mother, Nitzevet. Inspired by his own mother’s encouragement, Cunningham aims to portray the dynamic role of mothers, not just as protectors but as motivators and inspirers:

“Mothers do so much more than just protect. They inspire their generations.”

Why See “David” in Cinemas?

Cunningham encourages audiences to experience David in theaters, where the full impact of sound and visuals can be appreciated. “The way it’s framed, the sound design, the music—everything was engineered for the big screen,” he elaborates.

Inspiration for All

At the heart of David is a mission to inspire. Cunningham expresses his hope that viewers will leave the cinema feeling empowered to face their own giants in life.