PETRONAS CNY film via Ensemble Worldwide Malaysia celebrates the courage and heritage of the lion dancer
Ensemble Worldwide Malaysia and PETRONAS have released a fully animated festive film titled ‘Yi Qi’, to begin the Chinese New Year festive season.
The film is set in the mythical Malaysian village of “Kampung Baru Dancing Lion”, a land inhabited by lions who flourish and dance to a constant beat of drums. Though the drumbeats cease, the lions eventually find new purpose to lift their spirits and the courage to keep dancing again.
Didi Pirinyuang, Executive Creative Director of Ensemble Worldwide, said: “Malaysia has a rich and historied culture of lion dancing. Although the art itself dates back to the Tang dynasty legend, Malaysia’s lion dancing has evolved with its own distinct identity and flavour – from the invention of stilt acrobatics to being World Championship winners.
“Lion dancing and Chinese New Year is very much a part of our Malaysian culture, and with our world on pause, we wondered, what will the lion dancers be doing this year?”
The film starts with fanfare, showing the vibrant daily rhythms of the lions, moving to the tempo of a familiar beat. But then, an unexpected turn of events silences the drums. The film shows the lions mourn the loss of their rhythm, as they struggle to accept the silence. Eventually, inspired by the beat of their daily lives, they embrace their new normal, to rise together and dance once again.
Pirinyuang adds: “The narrative of villagers warding off Nian the Lion is a well-told classic, but we wanted to celebrate instead, the spirit and heritage of our Malaysian lion dancers. Recognising their strength, resilience, and ability to bring joy and ward off bad luck, Chinese New Year after Chinese New Year.
“With this simple story, we hope that its message of courage and resilience brings strength and joy for all Malaysians, in the Year of the Ox. It is a celebration of our indomitable spirit to rise and prosper together as a community, as a nation, despite the changes and restrictions in our lives.”
The film ends with a joyful bang and a small reminder that we still have much to celebrate, wisdom to pass down to the next generation and experiences to share, even in the face of adversity.
The PETRONAS festive films theme of 2021 extends the theme of ‘Our Unique Family’ from 2020, for PETRONAS to continue to bring and spread joy to all Malaysians. This effort is amplified in 2021 to encompass family in a larger sense – from the family you know to the family you discover, and to the communities you serve.
The film went live on PETRONAS’ official YouTube channel and Facebook Page on 8th February, with a 60-second commercial version aired on TV. Credits on production go to film and VFX director Felicia Yong in collaboration with Real Time Studios, Lorrypop Studio and Post 2 Post.
Credits:
Film & VFX Director: Felicia Yong
Audio house: Real Time Studios
Music Director: Danny Lim
Engineer: Dennis See/ Julian Lim
Producer: Jennifer Yiew
Vo Talents: Lee Chin Nam & Keito
3D Animation Team: Lorrypop Studio
Executive Producer: Frankie Lee
Production Coordinator: YJ
Art Director: Calvin Mok
CG Director: Teoh Wei Liat
Art Team: Kraven Chew, Andrew Lee, Joyce
3D Team: Frankie Lee, Wayne Yap, Nevin Ng, Ying Cher, Andrew Lee, Kraven Chew, Ezzad, Glen
Animator: Raymond Wong, Alexander, Lee Yan, Choong Kah Zhun, Teoh Wei Liat
Rigger: Choong Kah Zhun, Teoh Wei Liat
Motion Team: Calvin Mok, Kraven Chew,Hong Yao, Andrew Lee
Post-production house: Post 2 Post
Producer: Cheryl
Online Artist: Sandy, Steven
Agency: Ensemble Worldwide
Executive Creative Director: Didi Pirinyuang
Art: Ahmad Nazril, Kelvin Low
Copy: Zamri Dzakaria, Emily Jo Chen, Nawi Zainal Abidin, Suki
Brand: Mohd Shukri Jai, Victoria Kovalan, Moses Wee
Producers: Loreen Lim, Betsy Hee
