During the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, Rob Minkoff, director of Disney’s “The Lion King,” sat down with CGTN to explore the rapid rise of animation from the Chinese mainland. Having watched the industry evolve from early 2D experiments to today’s blockbuster CG spectacles, Minkoff praised the remarkable production values and technical craftsmanship on display.
More Than Meets the Eye
When asked about the runaway success of Ne Zha 2, Minkoff cut to the chase: “It’s not just about jaw-dropping visuals or slick production quality,” he said. “A good story is what truly resonates with audiences and turns a film into a global phenomenon.”
Lessons for Global Storytellers
For filmmakers and storytellers around the world – from Silicon Valley animators to indie creators – Minkoff’s takeaway is clear: invest in compelling characters, relatable themes, and emotional arcs that connect across cultures. As the Chinese animation ecosystem grows, these narrative building blocks will be the foundation for its next wave of hits.
With increasing digital distribution channels and a generation of young global citizens hungry for fresh perspectives, the rise of Chinese animation is a story in itself. And according to Minkoff, it all circles back to one core element: a story worth telling.
Reference(s):
Rob Minkoff: A good story is what made 'Ne Zha 2' successful
cgtn.com
