š· A little piglet from Hong Kong changed the world of animation
Exactly 25 years ago, the animated filmĀ McDull: My Life as a PigĀ hit screens ā a touching story about a piglet that became the first Hong Kong animation to win the Grand Prix at Annecy and outgrossĀ Harry PotterĀ at the local box office.
At this year’s Hong Kong Filmart content expo, experts are discussing how this modest success evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Animation boom by the numbers:
- 2025 record: Chinese animation grossed $3.57 billion at the box office, accounting for 50% of the country’s total theatrical revenue.
- Top hit: Ne Zha 2 alone delivered $2.2 billion to the industry, forever changing the rules of the game.
At Filmart 2026, the focus is on the power of intellectual property. The McDull creators are not resting on their laurels: they are preparing a stage production and a spin-off The Excreman ā On the Road ā an ironic, dark tale about a “humble fecal creature” born after a Christmas party.
Organizers note that animation has become the second most popular category in online catalogues for buyers. It’s no longer just “cartoons,” but a powerful tool leveraging AI and cross-brand marketing, capable of competing with Hollywood and Japan.
