Source: CCTV.com

04-29-2007 13:55

Hangzhou city's mascot, the Monkey Lele has led a sprawling army of cartoon celebrities in a grand pageant. The parade opened the third China International Cartoon and Animation Festival.

It’s like watch your favorite cartoon figure jumps out of the strips or television screens and comes into life just in front of you. The opening ceremony started with a show from cartoonists’ best pals: cats. Set to the background of the music from Broadway musical “Cats”,performers from local arts troupe dressed up as the feline in a tribute to China’s best-known animation figure, the “Black Cat Sheriff".

Virtually every cartoon figures in China and beyond gets their share of attention at the ceremony. And the lavishly decorated carts are considered to rival those from Disneyland in design and production.

There's not a single familiar face from the showbiz circle to drum up the atmosphere at the ceremony. Yet this parading crowd, with students and workers taking up the bulk, has put the two previous festivals into the shade.

This parade of over three thousand people has opened the animation festival on a high note. And the level of the festivities is a reflection of the passionate feelings which fans have for their beloved industry.

"We’ve been to the animation fare every year. Whenever there’s time, I bring my kid along. He could stay here the whole day," says Hangzhou Spectator,"this animation festival is great for Hangzhou. It'll definitely boost tourism. We're all thrilled to take part."

The parade leads to a packed week-long event of expo,forums and seminars.

The China International Cartoon and Animation Festival is considered to be largest event of the kind in China.

More than 230 companies have set up booths in this year's animation expo, including eight companies from China's Hong Kong and ten from Taiwan. South Korean Cartoonist Association. French Animation Film Association and the "Simpsons" from United States all gathered in Hangzhou for the week-long fare. They embrace the festival's truly international approach.

The festival runs from April 28th to May 4th.

 

Editor:Chen Ge