What started in the 1950s at Shanghai Animation Film Studio has evolved into a cinematic wave that sweeps across Asia, Europe and beyond. Chinese mainland animation, once confined to regional screens, is now a global conversation.
In a recent CGTN interview, Su Da, Art Director of Shanghai Animation Film Studio, shed light on the recipe for this cross-border success. He argues that hits like Ne Zha 2 resonate because they tap into universal themes heroism, resilience and self-discovery crafted through distinctively Chinese storytelling and aesthetics.
"When creating, we need to think about how to preserve cultural confidence," Su says, urging younger animators to honor their roots while exploring new markets. This cultural confidence is the bridge that connects local folklore with global audiences.
Su Da also highlights the importance of overseas collaboration. By engaging with peers from different cultures, creators on the Chinese mainland gain fresh insights into audience preferences and narrative styles, making their work more accessible without diluting its identity.
Today, the Chinese mainland animation industry is more diverse and mature than ever. From mythological epics to slice-of-life tales, it is steadily shaping a new chapter in world animation. The bet for creators now is simple: produce stories that spark joy and become cherished memories for audiences around the globe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
