This animation is designed to expose the unequal treatment and tragic destinies of women in remote regions of China through a poignant tale. The narrative centers on a young girl who is coerced into marrying the deceased son of a landlord, only to meet a gruesome end at her own wedding, transforming into a ghost bride.
The work fuses the ancient Chinese art of shadow puppetry with two-dimensional animation and 3D spatial technology. The visual aesthetic is inspired by the millennia-old tradition of shadow puppetry, renowned for its intricate and exquisite patterns that capture the nuances and beauty of its characters. This traditional art form lends a sense of timeless mystery and the essence of Chinese cultural heritage to a story that confronts the remnants of feudalism.
In today’s 21st century, despite societal advancements, the entrenched notion of favoring male offspring over females persists in numerous remote locales. The practice of fathers treating daughters as trade commodities and the subjugated position of mothers within the household, along with the commodification of women in marriage, continue to be prevalent. This work leverages a concrete narrative and innovative artistic expression to urge a societal reassessment of women’s roles within the family and community, advocating for gender equality and social progress.