Zhang Miao, Presenter, Producer, and Executive Producer of I Am What I Am 2, on Cultural Inheritance
On April 26, 2025, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival held Outdoor Cinema of I Am What I Am 2. The film's presenter, executive producer and producer, as well as the founder of Beijing Splendid Culture and Entertainment Co., Ltd. Mr. Zhang Miao, editor-in-chief and publisher of OK!Magazine China Ms. Li Tian, director of outstanding works of Beijing International Film Festival Project Pitches Director Tang Yan, and Director Tashi Gyatso appeared for post-screening dialogue. Centering his reflections on themes such as “original creativity”, “realist expression”, and “cultural inheritance”, Zhang Miao shared insights into the creative philosophy and behind-the-scenes journey of this highly anticipated sequel in Chinese Anime.
The Outdoor Cinema of I Am What I Am 2
When asked by an audience member how the film so elegantly balances realism and lyricism, Zhang explained that the artistic team has consistently pursued a localized aesthetic. Animation, he noted, possesses the unique advantage of capturing both authentic imagery, such as Lingnan-style arcade buildings and Shanghai alleyways, and poetic visuals that stir cultural memory. “The meticulous depiction of the lion's mane and the expressive rooftop solo dance,” Zhang said, “exemplify this harmony between the realism and lyricism.”
The Outdoor Cinema of I Am What I Am 2
The I Am What I Am series has always placed traditional Chinese culture at its narrative core. From Southern-style lion dance to classical martial arts, the films reinterpret the transmission of cultural heritage through the eyes of the youth. For Zhang, traditional culture is not a collection of superficial symbols, but rather "a gene embedded in our very bones." As he articulated: “Civilizations converge, but cultures differentiate. Through animation, we aim to tell stories uniquely rooted in China - so the world may witness our cultural heritage.”
Sharing by Zhang Miao
Concluding the event, Zhang also called upon the industry to support emerging filmmakers: “The journey of growing alongside young directors is filled with surprises. They bring fresh perspectives; we offer experience and resources. This very exchange is the wellspring of innovation.”
Post-screening Group Photo
