Firdoze Bulbulia- Chairperson: of the Children and Broadcasting Foundation for Africa (CBFA) and the 5th World Summit on Media for Children (5WSMC) writes:
“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Mr. Roy E Disney. I met Mr. Roy Disney at Cartoons on the Bay in Positano, Italy in 2006 and asked him whether he had been to South Africa. He said he hadn’t but that he would like to if the occasion prevails. Of course, for me that occasion was the 5th World Summit on Media for Children (5WSMC) so I pursued Mr. Roy Disney to come to South Africa and to attend the 5WSMC.
“Mr. Roy Disney attended the 5WSMC with his partner Leslie DeMeuse and we all remember his passionate and compelling Keynote address. He wittingly wove a great speech adding the adjective “quality’ to the the 5WSMC’s theme of “Media as a Tool for Global Peace and Democracy’- using all the celebrated Walt Disney films he spoke about “Quality Media as a Tool for Global Peace and Democracy’. His example of Mickey Mouse as the underdog- or rather “under-mouse’ representing in a way all of us- upbeat underdogs always trying to keep a positive outlook no matter how daunting the situation (in the 1930’s Adolf Hitler officially denounced Mickey Mouse as “an enemy of the state’) another striking metaphor and innovation was The Three Pigs; each had their own character depiction (of a society during The Great Depression) who felt Wolf banging on their doors- a very political statement at the time- as Mr. Roy Disney said “a statement of Hope’. Mr. Roy Disney emphasized why he added “quality’ by saying”in my own context by “quality media’ I am talking about responsible storytelling. This is what is needed whether the story is about the fantasy of a fairy princess or the reality of the Iraq war. And there’s a wonderful thing about responsibility. Not everyone can be a great artist or musician or athlete. But everyone can be responsible’
“Mr. Disney will be remembered for his love of animation and his compassion for quality media for all. His attendance at the 5WSMC was one of the highlights of the world summit. His death leaves a void in the production and support of quality animation and media that allowed children of all ages to live the fantasy and be entertained but at the same time being “responsible storytellers’.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, colleagues and dearest Leslie DeMeuse who traveled to South Africa with him and made such a remarkable impression on all of us.
“Hamba Kahle- Roy Disney- may your soul rest in peace and may The Almighty Grant you the highest place in Paradise!
“Peace!’
Firdoze Bulbulia
