Chinese Animated Cinema Showcased in Berlin for International Children’s Day
Family film screening highlights cultural storytelling and youth engagement
May 21st, 2026
On 29 May 2026, the Chinese Cultural Center Berlin will host a special screening of the animated feature New Gods: Yang Jian to mark International Children’s Day. Open to the public and held at the Center’s premises on Klingelhöferstraße, the event invites audiences of all ages to engage with contemporary Chinese animation through a story that blends mythology, family dynamics, and personal transformation.
Directed by Zhao Ji, New Gods: Yang Jian (2022) reinterprets elements of classical Chinese mythology through modern animation techniques. The film follows Yang Jian, a once-revered deity who, after a family-related transgression, lives in exile as a bounty hunter. His unexpected encounter with his nephew Chenxiang sets in motion a journey that intertwines action with introspection, as he confronts unresolved guilt and redefines his understanding of duty and kinship. Featuring voice performances by Wang Kai, Ji Guanlin, Li Lihong, and Li Lanling, the film combines high-quality visual storytelling with themes of growth, responsibility, and reconciliation.
The screening also reflects the increasing global reach of Chinese animation, which has gained recognition for its ability to merge traditional narratives with contemporary cinematic language. As a box office success in China and a recipient of multiple award nominations, New Gods: Yang Jian illustrates the vitality of China’s creative industries and their capacity to resonate with international audiences. Its use of East Asian visual aesthetics and narrative motifs offers viewers in Germany an accessible entry point into Chinese cultural heritage.
Organised by the Chinese Cultural Center Berlin, the event contributes to China’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts by promoting cultural exchange through film and youth-oriented programming. By aligning the screening with International Children’s Day, the initiative underscores the role of cultural institutions in fostering early intercultural awareness and dialogue. Such engagements also carry strategic significance, as the global animation sector represents a growing area of cultural and economic exchange, strengthening connections between creative industries in China and Europe.
Ultimately, the event highlights the power of storytelling to bridge cultural differences and connect generations. Through a contemporary reinterpretation of myth, New Gods: Yang Jian not only entertains but also deepens cross-cultural understanding, reinforcing the role of cinema as a dynamic tool of international cultural engagement.
