In a significant milestone for cultural exchange, the Chinese animated fantasy film ‘Into the Mortal World’ (Luofanchen) premiered in Vietnamese theaters on December 27, 2025, marking the first mainland Chinese cinematic release in Vietnam since 2019’s ‘Ne Zha’. The film’s debut coincides with Vietnam’s peak holiday season, securing placement across more than 300 screens nationwide.
Produced by Guangzhou-based Winsing Animation, the feature draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Niulang and Zhinyu). The narrative follows the magical adventures of their descendants, siblings Jinfeng and Yulu, as they embark on a quest to reclaim the 28 constellations and safeguard the human realm.
The release signals both the recovery of Southeast Asia’s film market and the resurgence of Chinese cinema in the region. Industry data reveals Vietnam’s box office reached a record $185 million in 2024, with Southeast Asian markets growing at 5-6% annually. International media outlet Deadline has identified Vietnam as one of Asia’s most rapidly expanding cinematic markets.
According to Gu Yanmei, Vice-President of Winsing Animation, the film’s successful entry into Vietnam reflects both distributor confidence and exceptional production quality. ‘The level of craftsmanship, comparable to top international studios, represents a core selling point that attracts young local audiences,’ Gu noted, highlighting the film’s five-year development period and over 2,000 special effects shots.
Cultural proximity has proven instrumental to the film’s regional appeal. The Cowherd and Weaver Girl mythology enjoys widespread recognition in Vietnam, creating natural audience familiarity. Winsing Animation conducted comprehensive localization efforts, including Vietnamese dubbing and collaborative marketing strategies with local partners to align with regional viewing preferences.
Prior to its Vietnamese premiere, ‘Luofanchen’ had already achieved international distribution across 40+ countries and regions including Russia, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. The film has also been featured at prestigious international events including Japan’s Niigata International Animation Film Festival and Italy’s Fanhua Chinese Film Festival.