“China” Documentary: A Fusion of Art, Myth, and History

Stepping into the world of China’s ancient myths, audiences are transported back to tales of Pangu, the legendary figure believed to have separated the heavens and earth, and tales foundational to China’s rich jade and farming cultures. The screens come alive with “moveable” paintings that unfold the chronicles of China’s historical tapestry in the newly released documentary series, “China.”

Helmed by the talented Li Dongshen, the third season of the “China” documentary series promises viewers a fresh perspective, bridging the expansive arc of history with its relevance to contemporary society. For Li, the documentary isn’t merely a historical recounting but an immersive experience akin to walking through a modern art exhibition brimming with intricate paintings that tell tales of epochs gone by.

The 12-episode saga, which premiered on Hunan TV and Mango TV’s online platform, offers a panoramic view of China’s journey from the mystical times of starry prehistoric societies to the eras of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The narrative emphasizes the evolution of rituals, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping the fabric of Chinese civilization.

As Li mulled over the best approach for this season, he found himself wrestling with various perspectives, ranging from the archaeological discoveries of the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods to intricate analyses of prominent sites such as the Liangzhu Civilization and Sanxingdui ruins. Ultimately, the guiding theme became introspective questions probing the very essence of Chinese identity: who are the Chinese, what historical forces and beliefs have shaped their consciousness, and how has the nation of China come to be?

A central theme woven throughout this season is the profound influence of myths and legends on the psyche of the Chinese people. The series revisits how ideological systems, epitomized by rituals, have permeated the consciousness of society across various epochs.

A unique feature of this series is the seamless marriage of mythology, animation, and documentary genres. This integration is brought to life by a dedicated team of young artists. Their artistic endeavors encompassed employing traditional ceramic art techniques, including heavy coloring, foil application, and glaze spraying, culminating in a captivating Chinese visual aesthetic.

Iconic stories, such as Nüwa’s creation of humans and Pangu’s grand cosmic division, are painted with a distinct Chinese aesthetic. A dedicated team of 183 remarkable young painters invested 200 days and over 3,000 hours in the creation of these art pieces. Their artworks were then digitally animated, bringing to life nearly a thousand individual paintings.

Shan Haoxiang, one of the participating painters, expressed immense pride in their collaborative endeavor, seeing it as a monumental step forward for both traditional Chinese art and documentary filmmaking. Techniques from traditional Chinese painting, especially Xieyi or freestyle water-ink painting, were instrumental in depicting various elements, such as China’s revered jade cultures.

Pang Zizhou, the animation technical director, emphasized their unique approach. Instead of following the conventional route of animation creation, the team began with completed paintings. Their main focus was on capturing the essence of each era and narrative, not just through imagery but through the rhythm of time, capturing the emotional essence of each historical tale.

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