The history of Chinese animation began in 1918 when an animation piece from the landed in Shanghai. Cartoon clips were first used in advertisements for domestic products. Though the animation industry would not begin until the arrival of the Wan brothers in 1926. From the first film with sound The Camel’s Dance to the first film of notable length Princess Iron Fan, China was relatively on pace with the rest of the world. Though China's golden age of animation would come to a complete halt when the communist party of China led by Mao Zedong introduced the Cultural Revolution. Much of the animators were forced to quit. If not for harsh economic conditions, the mistreatment of the red guard would threaten their work. The surviving animations would lean closer to propaganda films than cultural materials. By the 1980s, Japan would emerge as the official animation powerhouse in the far east, leaving China's industry decimated in reputation and productivity. Though two major changes would occur in the 90s, igniting some of the biggest changes since the exploration periods. The first is a political change. The implementation of a socialist market economy would push out traditional planned economy systems. No longer would a single entity limit the industry's output and income. The second is a technological change with the arrival of the Internet. New opportunities would emerge from flash animations and the contents became more open.
Chinese animations today can best be described in two categories. The first types are "Conventional Animations" produced by corporations of well-financed entities. These content falls along the lines of traditional 2D cartoons or modern 3D CG animated films distributed via cinemas, DVD or broadcasted on TV. This type has led to reviving animation industry and coming together with advanced computer technology and low cost labor.
The second type is "Webtoon" produced by corporations or sometimes just individuals. These contents are generally flash animations ranging anywhere from amateurish to high quality, hosted publicly on various websites. While the global community has always gauged industry success by box office sales. This format cannot be denied when measured in hits among a population of 1.3 billion in just mainland China alone. Most importantly it provides greater freedom of expression on top of potential advertising.
Chinese animations were essentially an extension of other facets of Chinese arts and culture, drawing more contents from ancient folklores. Despite having 90% of the market dominated by Japan and the US, the Chinese animation industry is in a unique position.
"Shanghai Animation Studio" is the China's oldest animation studio. It dates back to 1949, before Mao Tse-tung had taken control of China. The studio itself is located on a three building lot near the center of Shanghai. Only in the decade between 1949 and 1959, the Shanghai Animation Film Studio produced nearly 100 films. Roughly estimated, since China's animation made its debut on the world movie circle, it has won 57 international awards. Its unique artistic style is known as the "Chinese School" worldwide. The Studio's animators were trained in Shanghai's art schools, with the directors having graduated from the Shanghai School of Fine Arts.
The Legend Of Shanria- Director: Chen Ming- Time: 15'
A Rabbit From Shaolin Temple And A Dog From Wudarg Mountain- Director: Vincent- Time: 4'30''
About Life- Director: Yu Shui- Time: 13'20''
A Drunken Old Man's Adventure (Flower Dream) - Director: Qing Xiaosong- Time: 5'40''
Father And Son- Director: Ma Fengqing- Time: 11'49''
Xanadou town- Director: Chen Ming- Time: 35''
Delicate Accordance- Director: Dong Lei- Time: 3'27''
The Peach Blossom Fan- Director: Qi Wei- Time: 5'48''
Run-up Of Animation City- Director: Yang Yanmin- Time: 1'7''
Cai Wei- Director: Zhao Ye-Huang Yang- Time: 7'21''
Brave Boy- Director: Chen Ming- Time: 3'
Life Is like A Fortress- Director: Li Wei- Time: 6'25''
China Red- Director: Guo Ye- Time: 4'
The Pond- Director: Muang Ying- Time: 7'28''
Louts- Director: Duan Jia- Time: 10'
Net- Director: Qian Yunda- Time: 8'30''
Three Monks- Director: A Da- Time: 19'12''
The Old Man And Monkeys- Director: Wang Shuzhen- Time: 9'
Feeling From Mountain And Water- Director: Te Wei- Time: 20'
Jackstraw- DirectorJu Jinqing- Time: 9'
The Butterfly Spring- Director: Qian Yunda- Time: 20'40''
The Fighting Between Mussel And Spine- Director: Hu Jinqing- Time: 10'
Where Is Mamma- Director: Te Wei- Time: 15'