Art College 1994

Looking at the life of a group of Chinese art students, Art College 1994 poetically depicts the twenty-something experience, following the friends as they find their way through the wayward years between early adolescence and maturity.

Affectionately mocking modern art and debating who gets to decide what art really is, the characters of Lao Wang and Xiao Li are well drawn, both figuratively and literally.

The whole film is lovingly hand-sketched in rich, vibrant 2D animation which verges on realism, often seemingly greying out the characters by comparison. Nominated for the Golden Bear for Best Film at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, Art College 1994 feels like a well-kept secret at the moment, so be sure to see it on the big screen while you can.