Daily Media Studio Exclusive Interview with Jinghan Zhang
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 20, 2024 / Jinghan Zhang, an independent animation artist based in San Diego, California, graduated with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City after studying at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy. Her internationally recognized works, including "Liberation", "Elixir", and "Who Is The Zookeeper" are celebrated for their unique art style and thought-provoking themes, such as feminism, human nature, the perpetuity of life, and the exploration of self and ego. These films have garnered prestigious awards from the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, USA Film Festival, and Vegas Movie Awards. They have also been featured in festivals like the Brooklyn Film Festival and Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Jinghan Zhang has been working in the field for over 10 years. She has previously collaborated with Lumen Animae Studios and will continue to do so in the future. Her next project, a documentary animation, is expected to focus on themes related to women and minority groups.
In ancient China, an old emperor longs for eternal life and recruits a Taoist alchemist to create an elixir of immortality. Unknown to him, the Taoist has his own devious plans to usurp the kingdom. This is the premise of "Elixir" - a beautifully hand-drawn animation by Director Jinghan Zhang that has won critical acclaim at multiple film festivals. "Elixir" was one of 11 animated short films selected to screen in the USA Film Festival's 49th Annual International Short and Video Competition.
"The story is inspired from the legend of Qin Shi Huang's elixir of life and incorporates elements of Western alchemy. It predominantly focuses on the emperor's desire for eternal life, emphasizing themes of the pursuit of immortality, the inherent selfish greed within human nature and the scheming and power struggles among the ruling class." says Zhang.
Zhang's work features expressive characters, lush opaque colors and elegant flowing movements that hearken back to the hand-drawn animations of classic Disney films. Her work represents a unique fusion of Western art styles and traditional Chinese folklore. The beautiful character and costume designs in "Elixir" draw inspiration from the intricate designs of Peking Opera masks as well as Western Gothic elements and Shamanic traditions. Zhang's use of handcrafted, frame-by-frame techniques, along with simple lines and colors, create a charming and effective backdrop for a profound exploration into the complexities of human motivations and desires in the film.
"Western experimental animation, China's history, and traditional Chinese storytelling significantly influences my work. Jan Svankmajer's films were a particularly strong inspiration. I was introduced to his films during college and was drawn to ‘Darkness Light Darkness' and ‘Death of Stalinism in Bohemia'. These pieces revealed to me that animations need not solely entertain; they can also evoke reflection, exploring the darker aspects of human nature, invoking introspection into inherent sins. This essence isn't necessarily religious but embodies a fundamental aspect of moral character. " she explains.
"Elixir" has won numerous awards, including the 2019 Gold Award winner at the Spotlight Short Film Awards, an official finalist at the 2019 USA Film Festival, the 2019 Best Animation Award at the Vegas Movie Awards, and the 2019 Best Animation Film at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards.
Zhang is passionate about animation as a storytelling medium and has directed several animated films that have been screened at international film festivals, including "Liberation" and "Eternity". Zhang notes the flexibility inherent to animated works that opens innumerable avenues for creative expression.
"Using animation as a storytelling medium, its most captivating aspect lies in its malleability and flexibility - qualities unmatched by live-action films. Animation encompasses various forms: 2D hand-drawn, 3D, and stop motion. 2D hand-drawn animation offers significant elasticity, allowing characters to stretch or compress, showcasing remarkable adaptability. Meanwhile, 3D animation excels in realistically simulating scenes and environments, providing a more authentic visual experience. In stop motion, the choice of different materials yields diverse visual effects, adding versatility. Hence, when considering animation as a medium, our primary focus should be on the story we wish to convey, rather than preselecting a specific form - be it 2D, 3D, or stop motion-as the form should serve the narrative." says Zhang.
Jinghan Zhang hopes to continue to express her inner voice and the beauty of life through animations that can bring a greater understanding of human nature and touch audiences in both the East and West. Her latest animated project, "Who Is The Zookeeper", released in 2024, has garnered significant acclaim. It won the Platinum Remi Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and the Animation Jury Prize at the USA Film Festival. Additionally, it was selected for screening at the Brooklyn Film Festival in June of this year.
"I aim to create animations that serve as a catalyst for introspection, delving into the complexities of human nature. By invoking deeper contemplation, these animations prompt profound thoughts. I believe that narratives and emotions have the power to stimulate profound reflection. Such animations possess enduring impact, transcending momentary amusement, aiming to resonate in people's lives and leave a lasting impression - not merely fleeting entertainment," says Zhang.
In the future, Jinghan Zhang will continue to produce independent animations using various media, with a focus on themes related to women, particularly freedom, equality, and life. She plans to experiment with more diverse materials in her creative process. As a member of ASIFA-China, she will also strive to enhance cultural exchange and collaboration between Chinese and American animation communities. (Written by Wen Yun)
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SOURCE: Daily Media Studio
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