In 2010, the first Chengdu Animation Industry Conference, “Finding Direction 1,” attracted numerous animation talents to gather and exchange ideas. Participants included Lu Hengyu and Li Shujie, directors of the animated film One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes and founders of AHA Entertainment; Liu Wenzhang, producer of the animated film Ne Zha and general manager of Cocoa Bean Animation; Mao Qichao, director of the recently released animated film Xiao Qian; and Fu Sheng, general manager of Qiying Animation, a leading 2D animation production company in China. Their enthusiasm and proactive attitudes at the time inspired Dongke to return from Beijing and establish its roots in Chengdu.
Fourteen years later, following a three-year pause due to the pandemic, 2024 marks Dongke’s 20th anniversary as we host the “Finding Direction 2” conference. Today, the rise of AIGC and the vision of wearable computing devices spark widespread anticipation. Meanwhile, China’s animation market appears to be grappling with a capital crunch, with investments retreating and both animation and comics standing at a crossroads. Challenges such as channel and content innovation loom large, and the industry urgently needs fresh talent and renewed vitality.
Chengdu, with its unique charm, attracts young people from across the country like a magnet, infusing the city with boundless energy and making it a haven for their dreams. Riding this wave, Chengdu’s animation industry aims to rise, calling on professionals and entrepreneurs committed to the essence and advancement of animation to pay attention to this conference. Together, let us explore the development directions for the next ten and twenty years.
In the morning, authorization docking meeting
Afternoon, Anime Industry Forum
