Bilibili, China’s leading streaming platform, dazzled audiences with a rich catalog of 68 domestic animations, spotlighting a much-awaited sequel to the fan-favorite, Yao-Chinese Folktales. Amid the buzz, news also emerged about a forthcoming big-screen adaptation, with a spotlight on an adorable demon portrayed as a pig in one of the episodes, signaling the series’ immense popularity.
Making its debut in early 2023, Yao-Chinese Folktales swiftly captivated viewers, securing an impressive average score of 8.7 out of 10 on Douban, a popular Chinese review platform. Such recognition reinforces the notion that masterpieces, especially those steeped in the cultural fabric of China, invariably resonate with audiences, attesting to their market potential and enduring appeal.
The brainchild of the combined creative forces at Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Shanghai Kuanyu Digital Technology, Yao-Chinese Folktales is more than just another animated series. It serves as a visual tapestry, deftly weaving fresh and innovative narratives around ‘yao,’ a term referring to demons or monsters prevalent in Chinese folklore.
The series spans eight enchanting tales, each offering a runtime that fluctuates between 15 to 25 minutes. But what makes these stories truly special is their origin. Each narrative springs from age-old Chinese literary gems, texts and tales that have been passed down through generations and hold an indelible place in the collective consciousness of the Chinese populace.
Yet, while these stories are anchored in tradition, their thematic expanse is vast and varied. They explore a spectrum of subjects, from the eerie recollections of one’s childhood nightmares to intricate explorations of the evolving bond between humankind and Mother Nature. Some tales even transcend earthly confines, venturing into the vast and mysterious realms of outer space.
Beyond the splendor of Yao-Chinese Folktales, Bilibili continued its streak of innovation, announcing a lineup of novel content crafted from widely recognized Intellectual Properties (IPs). These adaptations, much like the flagship series, promise to blend authentic Chinese cultural motifs with contemporary storytelling techniques, aiming to cater to a diverse audience demographic.
Li Ni, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Bilibili, succinctly encapsulated the company’s ethos, remarking, “Bilibili is synonymous with animation.” What started as a humble animation community has transformed into a behemoth video-sharing platform, boasting an enviable user base approaching 100 million daily active users. At the heart of this success lies the PUGV (Professional User Generated Video) model, fueling the platform’s dynamism. The ACG (Anime, Comic, and Games) ecosystem, on the other hand, solidifies its distinct identity. In this vast landscape, Chinese animation emerges as the gold standard, setting the benchmark for excellence.
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