Run Tiger Run is from filmmaker Joey Zou and Soular Animation Studios in China and was acquired in a deal with global distributor Fantastic Films International (“FFI”). Directed by Stanley Tsang and Joey Zou, the film features original music by multi-award-winning composer and sound engineer, Tom Disher. From costumes to buildings and landscapes, details of the Ming Dynasty era were recreated from extensive research and location scouts in various regions of China. The historic context and scenery help bolster the strong themes and lessons of loyalty and responsibility.
Tiger, an orphan who grew up at the Four-Seas Travelguard Agency, would often tell the tale of the legendary Headmaster Yang and the Five Tigers: How against all odds, and after losing his team members, Yang had still managed to complete the special delivery for the emperor. Although Tiger is far too young to become a Travelguard, he idolizes the Travelguard and doesn’t stop trying anything and everything to become one. After he accidentally foils the plans of Blackbone and the infamous Dark Fury gang, Tiger is hired to deliver a gift that would have him cross through several dangerous towns, embarking on an epic journey.
Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films says, “Run Tiger Run is a beautifully animated coming of age tale based on true historic events. The young character’s journey and messages of working together and trust are timeless and relatable for families around the world.”
Filmmaker Joey Zou shares, “All of us at Soular put our souls into our animation. Through much research we created a realistic Chinese character in ‘Tiger,’ including his signature tiger cap. I hope this film can bring joy and happiness to new audiences as it has in China and around the world.”
Run Tiger Run garnered a nomination for the Best Animation Film at the 35th Annual China Film Golden Rooster Awards and won the Golden Angel Award of the Year’s Best Animated Feature 2022, it also made the short list of animated features to be considered for the best animated feature award consideration for the 95th Academy© Awards. It garnered a nomination for the Best Animation Film at the 19th China Animation & Comic Competition Golden Dragon Award, along with “Overseas Promotion Award” at the 10th BJIFF Project Pitches, and won Second Prize for the Best Animation Film at the 32nd Guangdong Radio, Film & Television Award. Run Tiger Run was featured in the “Chinese Film Industry Exhibition” at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and previously released theatrically in China, Spain, CIS and had a limited run in the US.
Soular Animation Team is currently working on a Run Tiger Run sequel with Shaolin support, tentatively titled Tiger Roar, Dragon Claw.