A Story About Fire

In this evocative animation based on an ancient Chinese myth, a cowardly monkey musters the courage to discover the secret of all warmth. Insecure monkey Ran Bi Wa was raised by a tribe of humans; ever since, he has wondered about his place in the world. To understand his origins, he sets out for the Holy Mountain, said to be the place where the source of all the planet’s warmth can be found. The trek is long and perilous, traversing snowy landscapes, but Ran Bi Wa has a trusty companion by his side: a wolf named Doggy, who, much like his simian master, doesn’t fit in with his pack. When they finally reach their destination, things don’t go quite as expected – and Ran Bi Wa is left forever transformed. Premiering in the Berlinale’s Generation Kplus section, this reimagining of a Qiang myth – whose voice cast includes prolific actors Zhou Xun (Suzhou River) and Yang Haoyu – is the impressive feature debut of writer/director Li Wenyu. A former student of animation giant Ma Kexuan, Li employs a striking 2D hand-drawn style that recalls Chinese ink-wash painting, transporting viewers to a largely monochrome world that is at once dreamily prehistoric and timeless. Heralding the return of Shanghai Animation Film Studio (of Havoc in Heaven fame), A Story About Fire is a magical tale about the difficult but rewarding journey of self-discovery and the friendships that keep our confidence aflame.