Pixar's latest animated feature, "Elemental," made a mesmerizing debut during its China premiere at Shanghai International Media Port on Tuesday, highlighted by a dazzling light show illuminating the entire building complex.

From left to right: Pop star Roy Wang, and the voice cast of the Chinese version of "Elemental," Song Zu'er and Zhang Xincheng, pose for a group photo at the China premiere of the film in Shanghai, June 13, 2023. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios] 

The film, directed by Asian-American director Peter Sohn, follows a romance between an unlikely pair – Ember, a fire lady, and Wade, a water man. Their desire to be together, despite their differences, unfolds in a city that defies imagination, a place inhabited by beings of fire, water, earth, and air. With its exploration of self-discovery and the complexities of family love and responsibilities, the film is expected to resonate deeply with Chinese and Asian audiences.

Boasting the Oscar-winning team from "Coco" and "Soul," with Pixar's Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter as the producer, "Elemental" propels audiences into a breathtaking fantasy world, spinning an inspiring story. In China, its Chinese title is literally "Crazy Element City" and is positioned to draw audiences that warmly received "Zootopia" (2016), known in the country as "Crazy Animal City." The film hits Chinese screens on June 16.

Director Peter Sohn, a Pixar veteran known for his work on classics such as "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles" and "WALL.E," drew from his personal life experiences for "Elemental." He created this film as a tribute and "a love letter" to honor the sacrifices and toil of his parents. His parents, immigrants from South Korea, created a new life in New York City by opening a grocery store in the Bronx. Tragically, Sohn's parents passed away at different points during the film's production.

The China premiere of the movie, featuring the voice cast members of the Chinese version, Song Zu'er and Zhang Xincheng, as well as the pop star Roy Wang, who lent his vocals to the film's theme song, took place at the newly established CMG Convergent Media Cinema at Shanghai International Media Port. The port houses the first regional and local headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV), as well as the Yangtze River Delta headquarters and its Shanghai central station.

A stunningly beautiful light show is projected onto Shanghai International Media Port buildings for the "Elemental" premiere in Shanghai, June 13, 2023. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios] 

Characters embodying the elements of fire, water, earth and air graced four colossal outdoor LED screens. At the same time, a specially designed light show stretched across eight buildings spanning an area of 265,000 square meters. The light show, combined with the unique architectural design of the Shanghai International Media Port, cleverly utilized 40 facades to deliver a panoramic 3D visual experience visible to the naked eye. Viewed from above, the media port seemingly transformed into Element City, glowing brightly by the Huangpu River.

The cinema officially opened on June 10 and hosted the China Movie & TV Night, a special gala of the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). The theater is the first in the country capable of broadcasting 4K ultra-high-definition television program signals. It features nine multi-functional digital cinemas that can accommodate over 1,400 people simultaneously.

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