Asian Shadows has taken international sales for Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish, ahead of the film’s premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
The essay film focuses on director Lei Lei’s family, and their struggle for survival during the political turmoil of Mao’s China. The director mixes techniques, combining clay puppets, collage, live-action footage, and “pop-art animation.”
Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish (which was previously known as Ningdu) is the debut animated feature from Lei, one of the most notable Chinese indie filmmakers working in animation today. His shorts, which include This Is Love, Missing One Player, and Recycled, have won awards at festivals including Ottawa and Hiroshima.