Chongqing – During the 2026 Chongqing International Animation Film Week, iChongqing reporter interviewed Marc Handler, a veteran American writer, producer, voice director, educator, and author. Handler currently serves as a Distinguished Professor at the Beijing Film Academy’s Animation School, an international content advisor and screenwriter for CCTV Animation Group, and formerly as Executive Producer at Disney China. He shared his perspectives on global animation, cultural storytelling, and emerging opportunities for collaboration.
During the 2026 Chongqing International Animation Film Week, iChongqing reporter interviewed Marc Handler. (Photo by Deng Nan)
Handler, who has spent over two decades bridging international animation markets, praised Chongqing's dynamic media environment. "I've been to Chongqing before, and returning here is always exciting. The city's energy and enthusiasm for building its animation industry is palpable. People here are energetic about media and animation, which is exactly what I do, so I want to connect and contribute to that growth."
A central theme of Handler's discussion was the universality of storytelling. Emphasizing cross-cultural connections, he stated, "Every culture expresses our humanity. The humanity of people in Chongqing connects with the humanity where I live, and we connect through media, through our stories. Ultimately, our differences are small, but our commonalities are enormous." Handler highlighted his fascination with core elements of Chinese culture, such as Confucian ideals of social harmony, the middle path, and family values, noting that these concepts offer inspiration for creative storytelling.
Handler also reflected on the integration of AI in animation, praising Chinese and European approaches that leverage AI as a tool rather than a replacement for creativity. "Students and creators here are figuring out how to retain creativity while using AI as a powerful tool. This gives China an advantage over regions where AI is resisted."
He praised both early Chinese animations, like The Little Tadpoles Looking for Their Mother, and contemporary films such as Yu Shihui’s Yao Guai of Lang Lang Xiang, noting their purity, humor, and emotional resonance. He emphasized that successful Chinese animation must retain its heart while expanding internationally. "Chinese creators are making better animation than ever, and we need to open pathways to bring these stories to global audiences, whether through distributors or online platforms."
A highlight of the film week was a serendipitous meeting with Cambodia's Secretary of State, Hob Tuy, which Handler described as a "moment of destiny." The discussion laid the groundwork for a potential China-Cambodia friendship project in animation, demonstrating how international conferences can catalyze tangible collaborations beyond dialogue. "This is a real first step toward a project that will be a friendship initiative between China and Cambodia."
Handler concluded with optimism for the future of animation in China and globally, encouraging human connections, creative exchange, and project generation at the next edition of the film week. "This conference is more than talking about ideas; it’s about creating, connecting, and developing projects right out of Chongqing."
Through his insights, Marc Handler underscored the transformative potential of animation as a medium for cultural exchange, creative innovation, and international collaboration, marking Chongqing as a burgeoning hub in the global animation landscape.