Chinese animated movie "Ne Zha 2" held an advanced screening event in Bahrain's Manama on Wednesday, drawing praise from local film fans.
The movie will be officially released in the country on July 17.
Written and directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, "Ne Zha 2" is a milestone in modern animation -- merging emotionally resonant storytelling, mythological spectacle and cutting-edge visual artistry.
"Ne Zha 2" is already the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the fifth-highest-grossing film of any type ever released, and the highest-grossing non-English-language film ever made.
As the first country in the Middle East to introduce a trilingual edition in Chinese, English, and Arabic, Bahrain featured a special screening of the original Chinese version at the premiere, complete with English and Arabic subtitles. This provided local audiences with an authentic viewing experience.
"I'm really excited to be honest, I love animated movies and I think China, of course, it increases my expectations even more. So I'm really looking forward to it," said a resident ahead of the screening.
"Our first stop in the Middle East was Saudi Arabia, where the film premiered on June 26. We anticipate a simultaneous release in Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman on July 17. Bahrain is the first country in the Middle East to grant us the license for a trilingual version," said Li Yanrui, film distributor of "Ne Zha 2" in the Middle East and North Africa.
In post-screening interviews, many viewers said that although they had heard good reviews of the film, the actual viewing experience exceeded their expectations.
"The film is more than I expected because they speak about the love of the families and also how powerful the forces of nature (are), also the fire, like how this changed the world. And I also like how you bring this from all your families. For me, (this) touched me so much because I remember my parents, my past, my country," said an attendee following the screening.
In addition, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, a member of the Bahraini royal family, attended the premiere and offered high praise for the film.
"It's a very, very creative animation. I have seen many movies. I have never seen something that is at this quality. The quality is getting better and better. The everything, the animation, the transition, all of it, it was honestly very beautiful," said the royal.
She also expressed her hope for increased cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Bahrain.
"The relationship between our Kingdom and China has been there for so many years and it's a strong relationship, and we just try to continue on that momentum. And also the support that you have seen today of Bahrainese and also the ambassador of China, who is here with us also. That tells you about the relationship between Bahrain and China. And movies or arts or music, all of that are things that are creativity and passion. They translate people's emotions into something that you can see and you understand," she said.
Chinese animated movie "Ne Zha 2" holds advanced screening event in Bahrain
