As one of China's youngest cities, with an average population age of just 33, Dongguan is not only a bustling manufacturing hub but also a hotbed of creativity and innovation. This was evident at the 14th China International Animation Copyright Fair (ACTIF), where international guests emphasized the city's talent and fresh ideas.
Daniel St. Pierre
Daniel St. Pierre, an American director behind iconic animations like The Lion King and Tarzan., was struck by how the animation and art toy industries in Dongguan reflect the city's youthful energy. "Dongguan feels like a center of creativity and innovation. He shared his excitement about the diversity and opportunities he observed at the fair: "There's so much representation from different countries, with varied styles and unique products. I see a lot of potential here, especially in toy manufacturing and gaming. There's something about this place that fosters collaboration and fresh ideas, just look at the art toy industry here," he noted. St. Pierre's collection of art toys at his studio in the U.S. is a source of inspiration for his films, and Dongguan's blend of animation and toy manufacturing impressed him greatly.
Masaki Nario
The event also welcomed Masaki Nario, known as the "father of Kumamon," the iconic Japanese bear mascot. Nario expressed admiration for Dongguan's own lovable character Guan Xiao'e, a cultural symbol inspired by the city's roast goose.
As he interacted with Guan Xiao'e, Nario appreciated the unique personality that each region brings to its mascots, saying, "Dongguan's Laura and Guan Xiao'e have such vivid expressions. I'd love to see more cultural exchange between our mascots." This exchange between Kumamon and Guan Xiao'e reveals how such characters serve as playful yet powerful connections to a city's heritage, making them relatable to audiences worldwide.
The Italian Pavilion
Further highlighting ACTIF's global appeal, this year marked the first time Italy was honored as the guest country, celebrating 20 years of strategic partnership with China. The Italian Pavilion, organized by the Italian Animation Producers Association, featured a range of Mediterranean-inspired exhibits, and Cristian Jezdic, the association's vice president, highlighted the significance of Chinese cultural heritage. "Chinese mythology, history, and art are impressive and inspiring. With the right partnerships, we can bring these stories to the world. There's great potential for collaboration between Chinese and Italian creators to make Chinese culture even more accessible globally," he remarked.
Italian exhibitor Pietro Zingoni, Media Director for T-Rex Digimation, also saw immense potential for creative collaborations between Dongguan and international markets. "This city has become a place where ideas come to life. The art toy industry here is like nothing I've ever seen before," he remarked, adding that toys continue to be an essential way for young people to interact with the world and connect with popular culture.
Danilo Trevisan
Dongguan's reputation as "China's Art Toy Capital" is well earned, producing 85% of the country's art toys and a quarter of the world's animation-related products. At the ACTIF, the expanded 3,000 square meter art toy zone showcased this vibrant industry. From globally recognized brands like TOYCITY to smaller, up-and-coming creators, the range of products on display highlighted the city's leadership in this field.
Danilo Trevisan, Managing Director of Blindgod.run, emphasized the importance of originality in today's creative industries. "In a world where so many IPs start to look alike, Dongguan stands out for its fresh, original ideas. The key to success is creativity, and this city has plenty of it," he said.
With its young, dynamic population and strong focus on innovation, Dongguan is not only the heart of China's art toy industry but also a global center of creativity. Its talent pool, forward-thinking mindset, and international collaborations make it an ideal place for the animation and art toy industries to flourish.
