The 4K restored version of Princess Iron Fan, China’s first animated feature film, premiered at the China Cartoon & Animation Museum in Hangzhou on Aug 24. Prior to the screening, Yang Chenxi, a professor at the China Academy of Art’s Film School, provided an introduction to the film.
Directed by the Wan brothers, Wan Laiming and Wan Guchan, Princess Iron Fan was originally released in 1941 in Shanghai. It is a milestone in both Chinese and Asian animation, drawing inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The film skillfully integrates elements of Chinese painting, opera, and traditional performance arts, while also incorporating Disney-style animation techniques. The film was well-received across Southeast Asia and Japan, where it significantly influenced the famous manga artist and Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka.
The screening was accompanied by a dedicated exhibition at the museum, showcasing historical materials and interactive experiences related to the film and allowing visitors to relive iconic scenes and feel the legacy of China’s pioneering animation.