Chinese Market for Animations Hots Up at Shanghai International Film Festival

The rapid expansion of interest in animated film and TV products may be a key arena to watch for the future, especially across established and emerging Asian markets. With the Japanese and Korean markets already enjoying a wealth of animated features, China has now joined the fray, with the Shanghai Film Festival showcasing some superlative fare. Blake & Wang P.A entertainment attorney, Brandon Blake, shares his insight.


Brandon Blake

A Growing Trend

This focus on Young Adult-focused, larger-scale animation products was also seen at Cannes this year- the first year where a significant Chinese presence has been able to participate since the pandemic lockdowns. We’ve also seen some fantastic Box Office gains for content in the genre, with an animated film (Boonie Bears: The Guardian Code) even holding at third place over the critical Lunar New Year period. After two decades of stagnation in the sector, it’s good to see such growth take over the genre.

Seeking International Audiences

While Chinese domestic interest in animation is at an all-time high, it isn’t destined to remain a local product, either. As strong presences at this year’s key film markets are showing, they are looking for an international audience, too. Collaborative animation projects with Chinese and American studios have had some strong international success, with both the Kung Fu Panda franchise and Netflix’s Over the Moon performing well in the US.

In 2021, the Chinese animation industry faced an issue that has now largely been corrected- a matter of simplistic and somewhat childish storylines lacking the nuance to spread to adult audiences. With the genre becoming more complex, as well as focusing on more universal adult themes while still telling Chinese history and stories, we could be looking at a new boom era for their animation industry. Will it be enough to sell at the Shanghai International Film Festival? That will be the final litmus test- so far, it’s looking strong.

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