Ran Bi Wa

Rooted in the ancient folklore of the Qiang people, an ethnic minority native to the rugged mountains of southwestern China, Ran Bi Wa follows the extraordinary journey of a monkey raised among humans. Driven by a profound need to understand the world around him, he sets out on a perilous pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain, tracing the path once walked by his mother, Awubaji. His ultimate quest is to uncover the long-lost secret of warmth for his community. The journey demands immense sacrifice as the young protagonist faces relentless hardships and mortal dangers. Through sheer determination, he s쳮ds in claiming a mystical fire stone, but the triumph comes at a great personal cost. The intense heat consumes his fur entirely, triggering a miraculous transformation that turns him from a beast into a human being. This mythic tale of a fire thief elegantly explores enduring themes of personal growth, sacrifice, and the vital importance of companionship within prehistoric society. Visually, the film is a breathtaking homage to traditional Chinese ink painting, offering a poetic window into early civilization. With this release, the legendary Shanghai Animation Film Studio—the historic birthplace of countless iconic Chinese animations—makes a triumphant return to the screen.