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The Chinese Violin
2002
8 min
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In this animated short, a young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their Chinese violin along for the journey. As they face the challenge of starting fresh in a new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind and guides the girl towards a musical future. Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
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Talespinners2000 15 filmsTalespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
In this animated short, a young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their Chinese violin along for the journey. As they face the challenge of starting fresh in a new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind and guides the girl towards a musical future.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
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directorJoe Chang
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producerGeorge Johnson
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technical directorShelley McIntosh
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special effectsShelley McIntosh
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animationCelest BrownGintaras ZubrickasJoe Chang
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composerZhuo Rui-Shi
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writerMadeleine Thien
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sound supervisorJamie Mahaffey
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voiceLulu Li
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pre-production designJoe Chang
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colour stylistShelley McIntoshCelest BrownJoe Chang
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researchGintaras Zubrickas
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editorShirley ClaydonIleana Pietrobruno
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software supportNathaniel Akin
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consultantRubén Möller
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musicianHuang Ji RongHeidi KrutzenSun Yong
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music studioRaymond Mak
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audio facilityDesolation Sound
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re-recording mixerMark Hensley
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production clerkChristine Sears
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producer's assistantChristopher Adkins
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production supervisorKathryn Lynch
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program administratorBruce Hagerman
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executive producerSvend-Erik Eriksen
Ages 8 to 9
Study Guide
School subjects
This film deals with many themes. Use it to begin a unit on China. Ask students to find China on a map. Have students research the Chinese violin and, if interest is there, instruments from other countries. Make instruments and put on a musical performance. Older students can discuss the immigration experience and immigrants’ rights to proper housing, employment and safety.