The 13th China International Animation Copyright Fair kicked off in Dongguan's Houjie Town today and will run until July 23, displaying more than 1,500 IPs of animation and art toys worldwide as well as over 10,000 related products.
At the opening ceremony, Dongguan was officially designated as the first "Capital of Art Toys in China".
Cristian Jezdic, Vice-President of Cartoon Italia and CEO of beQ Entertainment, pointed out that this Fair is a platform where ideas are shared, collaborations are formed, and the future of the animation industry is shaped.
Cristian Jezdic
"I see a landscape of immense potential for common development in the international animation film and television industry," said Jezdic. "Let us use this fair as an opportunity to learn from each other, to collaborate, and to drive the international animation film and television industry towards new heights."
This year, more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, including the US, France, Germany, Denmark, and Canada, are participating in the Fair online and offline. Visitors can see various products of Pokemon, Snoopy, Kumamon, Shaun the Sheep, Boonie Bears and Dongguan's local IP "LAURA".
A range of colorful events will be held during the four-day carnival. A China-chic fashion show, dance performances "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace" and "Dunhuang", a Chinese-style armour show, a stage play about the game "The Legend of Sword and Fairy", and other interaction activities will lead audiences to take a sip of the charm of Chinese retro.
Furthermore, more than 30 new films of Super Wings, Boonie Bears and other series will make their debut, and over 20 brands of art toys will see their new product launches as well.
Meanwhile, four high-end forums will be held during the Fair, inviting American film director and animator Daniel St. Pierre, Arnauld Boulard, production manager of Despicable Me, Emmy Award winner Igor Lodeiro, CG and lighting supervisor of Kung Fu Panda 2, as well as other famous directors and producers to discuss new trends in the animation industry.
Dongguan is the largest toy-exporting city in China, and Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and La'eeb, the mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2022, were produced there. Established in 2009 in Dongguan, the Fair has attracted over 4,500 domestic and foreign animation enterprises in the past 12 sessions, with a turnover exceeding 25 billion RMB.
Reporter: Holly
Video: Guan Jieming
Poster: Lulu
Editor: Olivia, Monica, James
Photos provided to GDToday.
