From the nostalgic ink-wash aesthetics of Havoc in Heaven to the record-breaking Ne Zha 2, Chinese animation is rewriting global entertainment narratives. In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, Su Da, Art Director of Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Golden Panda Awards judge, reveals how cultural confidence fuels this creative revolution.
"Our stories resonate because they\u2019re deeply Chinese yet universally human," Su explains, citing themes like family bonds and self-discovery in Ne Zha 2 that transcend borders. The studio\u2019s strategy combines traditional art forms – from Peking Opera motifs to paper-cutting techniques – with cutting-edge CGI, creating what industry analysts call "cultural soft power in 4K."
With China\u2019s animation market projected to reach $48 billion by 2025, global streaming platforms are racing to acquire content. Su urges creators to "collaborate, not imitate" when engaging international partners, noting that co-productions with Japanese and European studios have tripled since 2020.
As new generations worldwide grow up watching Mandarin-speaking heroes save the world, Chinese animation is proving that cultural specificity – not Westernization – might be the true path to global relevance. The next challenge? Making characters as beloved as Mickey Mouse or Pikachu. "That\u2019s our moon landing," Su smiles.
