Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Light Pillar,” the debut feature from Chinese director and screenwriter Xu Zao.
The Shanghai-based Fengduan Pictures production world-premiered in the Perspectives section of the Berlin Film Festival and will receive a theatrical release across the country early next year.
The 2D animated film incorporates live-action sequences featuring veteran actor Da Peng, who also served as executive producer. The story centers on Zha, a janitor at a bankrupt, long-shuttered film studio who retreats into a virtual world, cultivating an online romance and dreaming of a voyage to the Moon. When that digital existence falls apart, the studio’s physical demolition is repurposed as the backdrop for a sci-fi production.
The film uses hand-drawn animation to portray the protagonist’s mundane reality while live-action sequences depict the virtual realm to where he escapes.
“We’re glad that an independent hybrid film like ‘Light Pillar’ will meet U.S. audiences with Greenwich,” said Xu Zao and Lu Xiaowei. “We hope the film touches their hearts with its humor and warmth. Our ‘Old New East West Film Studios’ welcomes everyone dreaming of soaring towards the stars.”
