Jul 3, 2024

Trailer for "Into the Mortal World" to Premiere in China Next Week

Into the Mortal World, an animated feature celebrating Chinese culture and mystical worldviews, will open in mainland China on Friday, July 12.

A co-production between Winsing Animation, Bilibili, and Alibaba Pictures, the CG-animated epic centers on a romance that bridges the human and celestial worlds, much like Romeo and Juliet.

"Into the Mortal World" uses the spirits of 28 mansions, a traditional Chinese astronomical concept, to depict the quest to reunite star-crossed lovers, a cowherd and a weaver, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the Seven Star Festival.

While the film is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, Winsing is committed to exporting it to an international audience. The film was presented to an international audience last month in Annecy at a conference promoting animation production in China's Guangdong Province, where Winsing is based. The company is best known for its "GG Bond" television and film franchise.

Winsing explained that the film is "not just an animated film, but an invitation to discover the rich tapestry of Chinese tradition, culture, and folklore. As evidence of the film's strong cultural component, the producer noted that the characters are dressed in "neo-Chinese" clothing (a modern reworking of traditional Song Dynasty dress), the scenery is based on the Sichuan and Chongqing regions, and Chinese dishes such as milk tea and Sichuan hot pot are incorporated into the story as well as the inclusion of Chinese food such as milk tea and Sichuan hot pot in the storyline.

"Into the Mortal World" began as a student group film project completed at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. After the success of the student short film (see below) on the Bilibili platform, the idea of a feature film took off; it is estimated that over 2,000 artists were involved in the feature film's production.

The director of the feature film is Zhong Ding, an associate professor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, who said in a statement: "With its captivating story, breathtaking images, and profound symbolism, this film promises an unforgettable cinematic journey that will leave the audience with a deep appreciation for the enduring beauty and wisdom of Chinese tradition. An unforgettable cinematic journey that will leave viewers with a deep appreciation for the timeless beauty and wisdom of the Chinese tradition.

Following its release in China, "Into the Mortal World" will expand into the Southeast Asian region. No U.S. release has been announced at this time.