China's first AIGC animated feature expresses hope for reunification

China's first AIGC animated feature "The Reunion Journey" expresses wishes for family reunion and hope for the reunification of Taiwan with the Chinese mainland.

Leaders and producers of "The Reunion Journey" at the film's launch event in Beijing, Feb. 10, 2026. [Photo courtesy of CMG]

Directed by Ma Teng and written by Wang Liping, the 94-minute film follows panda siblings Tuanzi and Yuanniu, who are unexpectedly separated and embark on perilous journeys to reunite. Along the way, they gain new friends and courage, while a dark force intent on tearing families apart lurks in the shadows. As separation tests their bond, reunion becomes the only path home — one that demands they overcome countless obstacles to protect their shared homeland.

"The Reunion Journey" is the first AIGC animated feature to receive a theatrical release, opening on Feb. 28. The film was produced using an AI-driven full-process animation platform, achieving 4K ultra-high-definition resolution with a production cycle of approximately five to six months. AI was used to generate storyboards, as well as handle character consistency, lighting and fur rendering. A dedicated AI toolchain enabled parallel workflows — from design and layout to final cut — transforming traditional linear production.

The film received technical support from the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-High Definition Video and Audio Broadcasting under China Media Group (CMG). Through cutting-edge technology, it interprets the theme of reunion — a shared emotional bond of the Chinese nation. By telling the heartfelt story of giant panda siblings, the film reflects the deep family and national sentiments connecting people across the Taiwan Strait. It conveys, through artistic expression, the profound longing of compatriots on both sides for kinship and home.

Zheng Jianbang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK) Central Committee, stated in his address that "The Reunion Journey" represents a major breakthrough in film industry technology at a press event for the film held on Feb. 10 in Beijing.

"It is also a vivid example of how new quality productive forces can reduce costs, increase efficiency and promote high-quality development in the cultural sector. Moreover, it serves as an innovative exploration of using cutting-edge technology to disseminate Chinese culture and foster spiritual connection between people across the Taiwan Strait," he said.

The film is produced under the co-guidance of the RCCK Central Committee and CMG.

Xing Bo, vice president of CMG, said CMG unites people through high-quality content to promote national reunification. "The Reunion Journey" showcases its integration of thought, art and technology, using cutting-edge AI techniques to convey the theme of reunion and deepen cultural and emotional resonance across the Taiwan Strait.

Ma Xiaoguang, deputy head of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said "The Reunion Journey" creators drew inspiration from giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, who were gifted by the Chinese mainland to Taiwan in 2008, to create the characters Tuanzi and Yuanniu. With vivid imagery and AI-enhanced expression, the film is steeped in Eastern aesthetics, advancing China's goal of building a cultural powerhouse. Its emotional arc of separation and reunion reflects ideas of deep kinship, unity and self-strengthening, and conveys public desire for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation.

A poster for "The Reunion Journey." [Image courtesy of CMG]

Producers of the film also released a music video during the event, featuring children from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, whose clear voices convey the shared hope for reunion. In addition, the film's production team, in collaboration with partners, launched a series of merchandise to integrate the theme of "reunion" into people's daily lives.