​​How ‘Ne Zha 2’ is taking Asian animation to the next level

For the longest time, Hollywood dominated the global animation scene, setting the standard for high-quality visuals and compelling storytelling.

But China has been steadily catching up, producing films that are now on par with the competition on the world stage.

Ne Zha 2 is a prime example of this, a record-breaking animated epic that has cemented China’s place in international cinema.

The film had its exclusive Philippine media premiere on March 15 at Fisher Mall’s VIP Premiere Theater.

Hosted by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the event showcased not just the film’s storytelling but also its cutting-edge animation technology.

Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, FFCCCII president, highlighted the significance of the film’s technological breakthroughs.

“This is a way to highlight the technology available in China and what they are bringing to cinema and movie production. We will watch and see what kind of technology is involved in making this supposedly one of the biggest, best-selling movies today,” Pedro said.

The film, a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, continues the story of the rebellious deity while raising the bar for digital animation.

Packed with high-end rendering and AI-driven animation techniques, the film earned recognition as one of the most technologically advanced animated productions from China.

Ne Zha 2 has also shattered box office records. The film has passed the $2 billion box office mark—the first animated and non-American film to achieve this milestone.

This rapid rise in the quality of Chinese animated films has been fueled by innovations in visual effects, 3D modeling, and digital storytelling. This is largely thanks to China’s heavy investment in animation technology that is now pushing the industry forward.

Pedro believes that the Philippines should pay close attention to these advancements.

“Filipinos are good, but we are behind in technology. What we need is to work together with China,” he said.

He also pointed out that innovation in various sectors, including animation, could contribute to economic growth.

“The key is to move the economy forward and create jobs,” he added.

While Ne Zha 2 dazzles with its action-packed sequences and stunning animation, its impact extends beyond the screen.

The film serves as an example of how major investments in animation technology can elevate a country’s film industry.

Pedro stressed the importance of Filipino creativity and how the local industry could benefit from learning from China’s advancements.

“Filipinos are good. When you go abroad, people look for Filipinos because we are hardworking, creative, and skilled. But why don’t we bring that same drive and talent together here in the Philippines?” he said.

He also reiterated that collaboration, not competition, is the key to progress.

“Togetherness and partnership are the way to move forward. We should partner with one another, we should help one another, and we can do it,” he said.

With the growing demand for animated content and streaming platforms providing new opportunities, Filipino animators and studios may find inspiration in films like Ne Zha 2.

The question now is whether the local industry will take the leap and invest in revolutionizing animation production.