Tony Bancroft to make Chinese animated musical 'Songhua'

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Hollywood animator Tony Bancroft, who is behind Disney's "Mulan" and the recently released "Animal Crackers", will direct the Chinese animated musical "Songhua".
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony on day two of the Shanghai International Film Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film, written by Joe Bockol (Akuma), will be co- produced by Astro-Nomical Entertainment in association with Pelagius Entertainment.
Inspired by the famed Harbin ice festival in northern China, Songhua is based on themes from Chinese folklore, the producers say.
The film is set in ancient China, in a mythical world of ice, and the story follows a quick-witted spirit who helps a young princess and an underdog hero fulfil their destinies and save their homeland.

The project has been budgeted at USD 35 million. The producers say they aspire for the film to appeal to families in both China and around the world.
The film is produced by Jay Ahn, Chris Henderson and Joe Fries, with Pelagius Entertainment's Natalie Khoury serving as executive producer.