Babelgum announced today that Ceri Levy’s Bananaz, about virtual cartoon band Gorillaz, has been selected to screen on the new, Flash-driven Babelgum website as the first ever global, on-line premiere on April 20, 2009, prior to the film’s theatrical and subsequent DVD release through EMI. Selected clips of the feature-length version are already screening on Babelgum web and mobile.

Watch Gorillaz Go Bananaz – Bananaz Film Trailer:

Gorillaz on amazon.com

Gorillaz on amazon.co.uk

“As an independent filmmaker it’s exciting to be partnering with Babelgum and EMI, two companies who are able to connect and mobilize audiences on both a local and global level, allowing us to maximize revenues in an incredibly difficult distribution environment” – Producer, Rachel Connors

“Ceri Levy’s film is punchy, irreverent and exciting. It is exactly the kind of edgy content that Babelgum’s audience wants to see. It also contains very positive messages to aspiring musicians which sits in line with our commitment to nurturing new talent.” – Valerio Zingarelli, CEO, Babelgum

Bananaz is an un-sanitised, free-wheeling documentary film, taking down the virtual walls of Gorillaz in an intimate, honest and often hilarious account of the working relationship between Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett and their extraordinary creative process.

“I am convinced that Babelgum will prove to be the perfect platform upon which to release Bananaz” said director, Ceri Levy.

“An unconventional film premieres in an unconventional way – when the ingredients are this good, who needs convention?” – Miles Leonard, EMI President Parlophone Records

From 2000 to 2006 director Ceri Levy filmed alongside the creators behind the scenes, from first drawings, animations, music and the musicians, through to the faces behind the voices of Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. Made with the spirit of collaboration and madness that is Gorillaz, Bananaz also has appearances from many of those who occasionally pass through this virtual band; Dennis Hopper, De la Soul, Ibrahim Ferrer, Dangermouse, Dan the Automator, D12, Booty Brown and Neneh Cherry.

Bananaz received its first theatrical premiere at the 58th Berlin Film Festival and went on to receive cult status on the festival circuit from South by South West to Edinburgh.

Babelgum.com will also launch a Gorillaz channel, featuring live concerts, videos, two new games, a fans competition and exclusive Bananaz clips along with its four week exclusive screening presentation of the film.

“Babelgum music has created a platform that allows artists to express themselves in a visually compelling way. It also allows fans to engage and explore music in a content rich environment. Bananaz will be the first of many exclusives planned for the channel”. Jason Lamont, Publisher/Music, Babelgum

Gorillaz Official Website

Gorillaz – Bananaz on Babelgum

Babelgum Official Website