Shout! Studios, the multi-platform filmed entertainment distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory, has tapped Funimation® Films as its U.S. theatrical partner to jointly launch artful animated feature BIG FISH & BEGONIA across U.S. cinemas starting on Friday, April 6, 2018. The announcement was made today by Melissa Boag, Senior Vice President of Family Entertainment at Shout! Studios and Gen Fukunaga, CEO and Founder of Funimation.
“BIG FISH & BEGONIA is a beautiful epic fantasy adventure, bolstered by exquisite animation and enchanting narrative. We’re incredibly excited about presenting this film to the big screen for animation enthusiasts and broad movie audiences. ” said Melissa Boag, Senior Vice President of Family Entertainment at Shout! Studios.
Twelve years in the making, BIG FISH & BEGONIA is a visually stunning cinematic adventure that captures the unique aesthetics, mystique, and rich cultural traditions of ancient China. Directed by Xuan Liang and Chun Zhang, the film entwines new storytelling, mythical legends, and lyrical characters from beloved Chinese literary classics. Already a great box-office success overseas, BIG FISH & BEGONIA is China's foremost animated feature film. Many animation enthusiasts, artists and critics alike have heralded BIG FISH & BEGONIA's artistic achievement as the forefront of the burgeoning Chinese animation industry. This highly-anticipated movie premiered in competition at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and has been selected to screen at New York International Children’s Film Festival (February 23, 2018).
Catch the official North American movie trailer here:
English language (HD)
Mandarin with English Subtitles (HD)
From ancient Chinese legends comes a beautiful tale of love and sacrifice.
There is a mystical race of beings that control the tide and the changing of the seasons. But one of these beings, a young girl named Chun, wants to experience the human world, not simply observe it. When she turns sixteen, Chun is allowed to transform into a dolphin and explore the human world. However, she soon learns this world is a dangerous place. Chun is nearly killed in a vortex, but saved by a human boy at the cost of his own life. Moved by his kindness and courage, she decides to give the boy life again, but this power comes at a price. Chun will have to face adventure and sacrifice in order to protect the boy’s soul until it is ready to return to the human world.
Animated feature BIG FISH & BEGONIA opens April 6, 2018 in select U.S. cities nationwide. Movie presentation in English language, as well as its original language (Mandarin with English subtitles) will play in U.S. cinemas. The film is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 105 minutes.