The three amigos.

Three admired condoms are starting to have a big impact in South Africa. Everybody loves them.
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The Three Amigos: Shaft, Dick and Stretch
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Imagine if you will, the comic adventures of cartoon condoms named Shaft, Dick and Stretch.
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It might sound like an entry in a new Spike and Mike Sick and Twisted festival but before you get to giggling it should be noted that the trio, known as The Three Amigos and currently starring in their own series of animated public service announcements, can count no less than South African archbishop and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu among their fans.

That's because humour is only half the story. Ottawa-based film producer Firdaus Kharas has shepherded the project, aimed at slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The basic concept came from an eager young screenwriter looking to make a pitch. "That's how we got started," Kharas said. "We didn't have any funds." Nonetheless, Kharas and company got rolling last summer and recruited a veritable animator army to the cause.

Ottawa's Funbag Animation would do character design, and local artist Dan Craig agreed to take on storyboards. Voices, original music and sound design were also done locally, with all concerned working gratis, between paying gigs, all for the sake of a cause.
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The Amigos can now boast a countrywide profile in South Africa, where the national broadcaster is showing the spots in English, Afrikaans, Sotho and Zulu.
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The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu believes these PSAs are a powerful communicating tool to encourage people to change their behaviour. Please read Desmond Tutu's letter here.
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http://www.hour.ca/film/film.aspx?iIDArticle=4096
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http://www.thethreeamigos.org/testimonials.htm