Lights, Dreams, and a Galaxy of Animation: The “CMG Animation Gala” Premieres on January 25th

 A cross-temporal animation extravaganza, brimming with heartwarming power, is arriving with great momentum. It is a mutual journey between creators and enthusiasts. On January 25th, the “CMG Animation Gala,” produced by China Media Group (CMG), will make its grand debut on CCTV-1 at 17:30. It will be simultaneously broadcast on the CMG Mobile app and the CCTV Children’s client. A repeat broadcast is scheduled for January 26th at 20:00 on CCTV-14. The gala will be hosted by six CMG presenters: Ju Ping, Xiao Lu, Huang Wei, Huo Xiaolei, Yi Si, and Cai Yunyong. Structured into three progressive chapters – “Creation & Breakthrough,” “Origin & Legacy,” and “Radiance & Future” – it will feature leading Chinese animators in dialogue, guiding the audience to discover the answers of our era.

A Panoramic Display: Celebrating Achievements, Charting the Future
The gala will be held at Hebei Agricultural University in Baoding. Driven by “new content, new expression, new interaction, and a new spirit,” it aims to elevate quality, gathering the core forces of China’s animation industry. Through diverse formats like artistic performances, industry dialogues, and technology showcases, it will offer a panoramic view of Chinese animation’s glorious achievements and future blueprint. This feast of animation also seeks to empower local cultural tourism through the medium of animation, injecting fresh vitality into regional development.

The opening performance, “Hi!”, will be sung by CMG hosts Du Yue, Jin Dou, Chen Yi, Xu Liu, Hong Guoguo, and Zhao Yitian, setting an energetic tone. The original song “Armor of an Animator’s Dream” pays tribute to every enthusiast and dream-builder in domestic animation. The musical “Spirits of the Murals” invites the audience to travel a millennium through time alongside the AR-brought-to-life Nine-Colored Deer.

Today, innovations like AI-powered full-process production, virtual production enabled by virtual filming technology, cross-sector integration of “animation + tech” and “animation + tourism,” and global IP operations are helping domestic animation build a complete industrial ecosystem covering creation, derivatives, and international expansion. These developmental achievements will be presented through the gala’s diverse program.

Tech Empowerment: From Traditional Charm to Cutting-Edge Mecha
The gala stage continues CMG’s signature advantages of “vibrancy, agility, and creativity,” with the deep integration of technology and animation being a core highlight. The short film “Crazy Prehistoric City,” utilizing cutting-edge virtual production and AI, uses the China Museum of Prehistoric Animals (Baoding Natural Museum) as its creative element, instantly transporting viewers back to the Jurassic era. The technology showcase “Magic Motion Infinity” explores the passion of young animators realizing their mecha dreams, transitioning from 2D imagination to 3D spectacle. The song “Heavy as Dust,” using XR virtual scenes, creates an immersive experience, while “Walking Through Every Corner of the World” employs AR technology for cross-temporal character interaction, igniting the stage with a technological soul.

Various featured performances are also packed with highlights. Olympic champion Lin Yue, alongside the mascots of the National Games, presents the sports animation shows “Burning Passion” and “One Nice!”, while the street dance show “Nezha” ignites the atmosphere with fiery energy. The traditional Chinese instrument performance “Medley of Classic Animation Tunes” invites the audience to witness the footprints of domestic animation’s development.

The gala will also pay special tribute to the iconic 30-year-old IP “Big Head Son and Small Head Dad.” Ju Ping, Huo Xiaolei, and Chen Yi will take the stage together for the dubbing show “Old Friends,” weaving together memories spanning three generations with their warm voices. Theme songs from popular animations – “To the Future Once” from Boonie Bears: Time Twist, “Extraordinary” from A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality, and “Rainbow Voyage” from The Ling Cage: Incarnation 2 – will also make grand appearances.

Voices of the Industry: Outlining the Path of Legacy and Breakthrough
That evening, numerous industry leaders and representatives from outstanding animation studios across the country will be present. The gala will specially invite three leading figures in Chinese animation to depict the industry’s magnificent journey and future direction – from “boarding others’ ships to go overseas” to “building our own ships to sail far” – from the perspectives of cultural heritage, technological innovation, and industrial globalization. The finale will feature a special blessing: several leading animation industry figures from different countries will send their messages for the “CMG Animation Gala” and Chinese animation.

Standing at the forefront of building a strong cultural nation, Chinese animation is setting sail with vibrant momentum. On January 25th, audiences across the country are invited to gather for the “CMG Animation Gala.” Through a contemporary lens and international expression, let’s tell the world the splendid story of Chinese animation.