The Legend Of Hei 2: Chinese Animated Film Set to Enchant Audiences Across Asia and Beyond
Encore Films, based in Singapore, is set to release the Chinese animated feature The Legend Of Hei 2 across 16 territories in Asia, including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The film has already garnered significant attention in China and is now expanding its reach to fans in other regions. The company has scheduled release dates for various countries, with Malaysia being the first on September 19, followed by Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia in the coming months.
The distribution of The Legend Of Hei 2 is managed by Encore Films through its network of local partners, who are also organizing fan screenings in collaboration with local cinema partners. The film has been well-received online, particularly in Malaysia, where fan screenings have generated a lot of excitement. Joyce Lee, the managing director of Encore Films, sees this release as an opportunity to showcase the influence of Chinese animation and bring fans from different cultures together to celebrate this art form.
Following the success of Ne Zha 2, another Chinese animated film distributed by Encore Films, The Legend Of Hei 2 is directed by MTJJ and tells the story of the cat spirit Hei navigating a world inhabited by humans and supernatural beings. The film, released on July 18, has already surpassed the box office earnings of its predecessor in mainland China, grossing over $71.5 million (RMB509 million). Its recent release in North America through GKids has also been well-received, marking one of the biggest openings for a Chinese-language film in the past decade.
Ray Tong, the CEO of COL Group, acknowledges the growing appeal of Chinese animation on the international stage, as evidenced by the positive reception of The Legend Of Hei 2 in North America. The film's success highlights the universal appeal of stories rooted in Chinese creativity and demonstrates how they can resonate with audiences worldwide. The production of the film is overseen by Hanmu Chunhua (HMCH), the animation studio of director MTJJ, with COL Group holding a majority stake in the studio since 2023.
In conclusion, The Legend Of Hei 2 is poised to continue the trend of successful Chinese animated films reaching global audiences. With its captivating storytelling and stunning animation, the film is set to enchant fans across Asia and beyond, showcasing the rich creativity and talent of Chinese animation on a global scale.