Chinese Sci-Fi Animation The Island of Siliang Season 2 Nominated for Main Competition at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Marking a New Milestone for Chinese Animation Going Global

The first Chinese sci-fi animation nominated in the main competition series category at the “Oscar of Animation,” showcasing the global influence of Chinese animation through Eastern philosophy and a grand narrative vision

On March 24, 2026, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival—widely known as the “Oscar of Animation”—announced the nominees for its main competition. The Island of Siliang Season 2, an original Chinese sci-fi 3D animation produced by YHKT Entertainment and co-produced by Bilibili, has been nominated in the series category, becoming the first Chinese sci-fi animation to receive this honor. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant leap forward for Chinese animation in technological innovation, artistic expression, and international outreach, injecting powerful momentum into the cultural export of Chinese creative works in the new era.

Prestigious Recognition: Entering the World’s Highest Echelon of Animation

Founded in 1960, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival is the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious professional animation event. A nomination in its main competition is regarded as the highest honor and most authoritative endorsement in the international animation industry.

Selected from thousands of submissions worldwide, The Island of Siliang Season 2 now stands alongside outstanding works from animation powerhouses such as France, Japan, and the United States. Its nomination affirms that Chinese 3D animation has reached international mainstream standards. The achievement challenges global perceptions of Chinese sci-fi animation and represents a historic leap for Chinese animation—moving from “following” to “competing alongside” and even “leading” on the world stage.

Excellence in Craftsmanship: The Organic Fusion of Eastern Narrative and Global Language

Built upon a grand vision, the The Island of Siliang series constructs a unique framework of civilizational contrast infused with Eastern philosophical thought. Through the creation of compelling characters such as Mark, Bai Yuekui, and Charles, the series juxtaposes the vibrant, down-to-earth Dragonbone Village against the rigidly hierarchical Sky Lighthouse. It delves into universal themes—the community with a shared future for humanity, the continuation of civilization, and the meaning of life—achieving a seamless integration of “Chinese soul” and “global language.”

The series has achieved phenomenal success both domestically and internationally:

Streaming Data: Over 1.15 billion total views, more than 11.55 million followers, and a peak of 390,000 concurrent viewers for a single episode

Critical Acclaim: 9.8 on Bilibili, 8.9 on Douban, 85% recommendation rate on Zhihu, and an exceptional 9.5 on IMDb—the highest score ever for a Chinese animated series on that platform

Official Recognition: Selected for multiple prestigious national programs, including the “Original Power” China Original Animation Publication Support Program, the “Silk Road影视 Bridge” Project, and the National Radio and Television Administration’s “High-Quality Online Audiovisual Program Creation and Communication Project,” as well as the Administration’s 2025 Recommended Works list

Industry Honors: Recipient of over ten industry awards, including the China Animation Association’s Annual Animation Work and Hubei Province’s Qu Yuan Cultural Award for Art

Chinese Animation Going Global: From Scattered Blossoms to Collective Rise

The international breakthrough of The Island of Siliang reflects the overall advancement of China’s animation industry. According to data from the National Radio and Television Administration, China’s export of radio, television, and audiovisual programs and services grew by more than 40% during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, with the international versions of Chinese audiovisual platforms now reaching over 200 countries and regions worldwide.

As a vital vehicle for cultural export, animation is transitioning from “scattered blossoms” to a “collective rise,” demonstrating the increasingly strong global competitiveness of original Chinese intellectual properties. A growing number of works like The Island of Siliang are bringing high-quality Chinese IPs to the world stage through a narrative approach that combines “Chinese soul with global language.”

Cultural Confidence: An Animated Practice in Telling China’s Story

The flourishing of Chinese animation abroad is rooted in the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s excellent traditional culture. While preserving their “Chinese soul,” these works skillfully employ a “global language,” achieving a harmonious integration of cultural communication and shared resonance.

The success of outstanding works like The Island of Siliang offers an important lesson for the industry: upholding the spirit of originality, refining content quality, aligning with international standards, and pursuing a path of high-quality production are essential for Chinese animation to succeed on the global stage.

As Chinese animation enters a critical period of high-quality development, with more works embodying the Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese strength shining on the international stage, Chinese animators are confidently telling compelling stories of China to the world. They are contributing a unique artistic force to enhancing the influence of Chinese culture and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.