Capsules 2024
Auditorium des diplômés de la SGWU (Théâtre Hall)
For a full century now, Chinese animators have been striving to match the best of their international peers and bring a distinctive national sensibility to the artform. Over the most recent decade, China’s animation industry has blossomed, achieving new levels of excellence and a growing following around the world. A perfect demonstration is the CAPSULES series commissioned by video-sharing platform Bilibili, who tapped into China’s vast network of independent studios and allowed the creators’ imaginations to run wild. Of the 13 films in the project’s second season, the Fantasia team has selected the half-dozen finest moments. Thrilling martial arts, mystical supernatural fantasy, mordant contemporary comedy, kindhearted kids’ stuff, manic cartoon escapades, and mindbending cosmic speculation—the quality and diversity at hand demands to be discovered. – Rupert Bottenberg
Ruthless Blade
Bo Zhang
A spectacular visual feast of action in an ink-and-water world, directed by Bo Zhang, the conceptual art director of WANDERING EARTH.
GAME SHOW
Fei Chen
The red capsule is the key to a desirable world, no matter if it is colourful and vibrant, or only black and white. Everyone, even the underdogs, would fight for a different life.
Amy and Frog
Paul Williams
Let’s take a break and follow Amy to meet her friends, to find her courage and confidence. A warm and soothing fairytale with a simple, even childlike style.
Bottled Thunder
Leong Jo
Dream versus reality. Persistence versus abandonment. In the game of life, what is the right choice? There’s no correct answer, ultimately.
A Tale of the Stolen Peach
Jiaguo Wang
A lifeless old mansion hosts the liveliest birthday banquet. Guests enjoy the food and music while the birthday star remains silent. Only a peach seems to stir her soul.
Time Machine
Zihan Gao
A captivating masterpiece that opens up fresh avenues for Chinese sci-fi animation, showcasing its boundless potential to mesmerize audiences.
Showings
Auditorium des diplômés de la SGWU (Théâtre Hall)