“Mr. Nian,” the latest Chinese animated movie, is set to launch in mainland theaters on Monday, Feb. 8, during the New Year holiday.
According to China Entertainment News, "Nian" is a Chinese term meaning "year", and is perceived as an evil monster. Nian normally attacks people on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year. However, the upcoming movie gives a twist to the centuries-long stereotype.
In the story, Mr. Nian journeys to the human world, and collects his supernatural friends to fight against a villain who is trying to destroy the Spring Festival.
According to the producer of the film, Xia Chen'an, the animated character will be charming and based from Chinese culture and convention.
The main characters in the film will be voiced by 12 stars, including actors Chen Hen and Guo Tao, and actresses Zhou Dongyu and Tao Hong.
In celebration of the premiere of their Lunar New Year movie, "Mr. Nian," the following stars showed up on stage: Lei Jiayin, Zhou Dongyu Zhou, Michael Chen, Guo Tao, Patrick Guo, Shen Teng, Zhang Yibai and Xiong Naijin. Singers of the theme song "Little Wind Chime," Vincent Zhao and his daughter Rosita, Liu Wei-yi and daughter Lesi Liu, Rebecca Wang and son Honqin, also came to show their support.
Putting on a red lace dress, Rosita was not afraid of the public appearance and talked with other kids all the time. As the event progressed, Vincent could be seen as a responsible father, especially when he re-tied Rosita's shoelace, MSN reported.
Meanwhile, there are increased activities across the world to celebrate the Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival is known to be the most important holiday for the Chinese people, but this year's Lunar New Year has become a universal celebration. For instance, in Europe, many countries are taking part in the festival, including France, Britain and Belgium. Citizens are visiting Manchester's Chinatown, home to the U.K.'s second largest Chinese community.
There are also several themed events and activities besides hundreds of lanterns being put up in major commercial strips and town hall plazas, ready to be lit on the night of Feb. 12.