Hollywood director Rob Minkoff, best known for Disney's timeless classic *The Lion King*, spotlighted China's animation evolution at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival this week. Speaking to CGTN, Minkoff emphasized that the blockbuster performance of *Ne Zha 2* showcases how cultural narratives are driving China's creative industries onto the global stage.
Minkoff, who has observed China's animation market for years, praised the sector's leap in technical quality and production sophistication. However, he stressed that beyond visuals, it is "a good story resonating with audiences" that powered *Ne Zha 2* – a sequel adapting Chinese mythological hero Ne Zha – to widespread acclaim.
"The ability to tap into universal themes while preserving cultural authenticity is China's emerging strength," Minkoff noted, highlighting collaborations between artists and technologists. His commentary arrives as China's box office grew 60% year-on-year in 2024, with animated films accounting for nearly 30% of total revenue.
Industry analysts see Minkoff's remarks as validation of China's growing soft power. With streaming platforms like iQiyi expanding global distribution, productions like *Ne Zha 2* are attracting international audiences, offering investors lucrative opportunities in cross-cultural storytelling markets.
