Duma

Duma

Year: 2005

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Carroll Ballard

Budget: $12M

AdventureDramaFamily

Growing up on a Kenyan ranch, a boy named Xan discovers a vulnerable baby cheetah and forms a deep connection with it, naming it Duma. He diligently cares for the cub, nurturing it back to health and strengthening their bond. However, he eventually understands that Duma belongs in the wild and must be released, leading to a poignant and emotional journey of acceptance and the bittersweet experience of letting go.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Duma (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Duma (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

South Africa, Johannesburg, Botswana, Namibia, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta, Erongo Mountains

The story begins in South Africa and follows Xan and Duma on a sweeping journey across southern Africa. It traverses iconic landscapes from the savannas to vast salt pans and delta wetlands. The odyssey moves through Botswana into Namibia, ending at the border near the Erongo Mountains, showcasing diverse wilderness and rugged travel.

🐾 Wildlife 🗺️ Adventure 🏞️ Landscape 🧭 Road trip

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

Main Characters – Duma (2005)

Meet the key characters of Duma (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Xan (Alexander Michaeletos)

A curious, compassionate boy who forms a deep, evolving bond with Duma. He grows from a cautious caretaker into a determined traveler, navigating danger and moral dilemmas as he follows his father’s plan to let Duma live freely. His resilience and loyalty drive the cross-border journey.

🐾 Loyal 🧭 Determined 🧒 Curious

Peter (Campbell Scott)

A practical, protective father who loves Xan and Duma and believes Duma should live his wild life. He tries to balance responsibility with adventure, guiding his son while protecting their fragile family. His sudden illness and death propel the journey forward.

👨‍🏫 Father 🛡️ Protector 🌿 Practical

Duma

The cheetah cub raised by Xan, who grows into a capable, wary survivor. He forms a powerful bond with Xan that transcends species, embodying the pull between captivity and freedom. His arc centers on living the life he was born to lead.

🐆 Wild 🐾 Loyal 🌀 Free Spirit

Ripkuna (Eamonn Walker)

A mysterious drifter who joins Xan and Duma on their trek. He appears both helpful and enigmatic, eventually sacrificing for Xan and Duma by shielding them from danger. His presence adds an edge of unpredictability to the journey.

🧭 Mysterious 🗺️ Survivor 🤝 Ally

Mother (Hope Davis)

Xan's mother who must relocate to Johannesburg after Peter's illness. She shares in the family’s grief and eventual reunification, adapting to city life while holding onto the dream of safety and belonging for Xan.

👩‍👧 Protective 🏡 Family 🧭 Resilient

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

Major Themes – Duma (2005)

Explore the central themes of Duma (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐾 Friendship

A boy and a cheetah form an unlikely, enduring bond that defies species boundaries. Their relationship is built on care, trust, and mutual reliance, growing through shared hardship. The theme explores loyalty, empathy, and how companionship can redefine a young person's sense of purpose.

🗺️ Adventure Quest

The journey across diverse African terrains becomes a test of wits, courage, and perseverance. Xan and Duma navigate dangers, from city upheaval to remote wilderness, relying on improvisation and grit. The voyage is as much about self-discovery as it is about reaching a destination.

👨‍👦 Family Bond

Family ties and the responsibilities of caring for a wild animal shape the characters' choices. The father’s death and the mother's move push Xan into a transformative path, while Ripkuna's presence adds another layer of belonging. The film stresses that family can extend beyond bloodlines to include trust, sacrifice, and shared dreams.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

Unlock the Full Story of Duma

Don't stop at just watching — explore Duma in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Duma is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Duma Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Duma, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Duma Summary

Duma Timeline

Track the full timeline of Duma with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Duma Timeline

More About Duma

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Duma: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Duma

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