Guest Country: China: Rock Dog

Although Chinese animation has earned a reputation for its traditional and artisanal works, there are also more and more innovative and modern productions with stories that appeal to a wider public. Rock Dog is one of these creations with its cutting-edge technology that has taken the international animation market by storm.

Directed by Ash Brannon (Toy Story 2, Surf’s Up), Rock Dog is the story of Bodi, a Tibetian Mastiff who’s supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps as guardian of the village of sheep, but he’s terrified that he won’t be able to fill his dad’s shoes. His world turns upside-down when a radio literally falls out of the sky and Bodi hears a song by Angus, an old-school rock star. Enchanted by this new world that has opened his eyes, Bodi thinks it’s a sign of destiny and decides to go off to the big city to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous rock musician.

Produced by Mandoo Pictures and Huayi Brothers, Rock Dog is a Chinese blockbuster with an impressive budget. As part of the special programmes dedicated to China, the Festival invites you to come watch this feature (coming soon to a theatre near you), which wonderfully reflects the growth of China’s animation industry.