Berlinale Title ‘Light Pillar’ Acquired by Greenwich Entertainment for U.S. Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)

Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Light Pillar,” the debut feature from Chinese director and screenwriter Xu Zao.

The Shanghai-based Fengduan Pictures production world-premiered in the Perspectives section of the Berlin Film Festival and will receive a theatrical release across the country early next year.

The 2D animated film incorporates live-action sequences featuring veteran actor Da Peng, who also served as executive producer. The story centers on Zha, a janitor at a bankrupt, long-shuttered film studio who retreats into a virtual world, cultivating an online romance and dreaming of a voyage to the Moon. When that digital existence falls apart, the studio’s physical demolition is repurposed as the backdrop for a sci-fi production.

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The film uses hand-drawn animation to portray the protagonist’s mundane reality while live-action sequences depict the virtual realm to where he escapes.

“We’re glad that an independent hybrid film like ‘Light Pillar’ will meet U.S. audiences with Greenwich,” said Xu Zao and Lu Xiaowei. “We hope the film touches their hearts with its humor and warmth. Our ‘Old New East West Film Studios’ welcomes everyone dreaming of soaring towards the stars.”

Lu Xiaowei produced for Fengduan Pictures. The deal, which was unveiled at the Cannes Film Market, was negotiated by Greenwich’s Jasper Basch with Cercamon’s Sebastien Chesneau representing the filmmakers.

Greenwich Entertainment’s recent releases include “The Critic” starring Ian McKellen, “Bonjour Tristesse” and “Close to You.” The distributor’s upcoming slate also includes the animated film “Jinsei.”

Xu holds a master’s degree from the Beijing Film Academy’s School of Fine Art. His 43-minute animated work “No Changes Have Taken In Our Life” premiered at Rotterdam in 2023 and collected the Golden Dove for animated film at DOK Leipzig plus the Grand Prize at Japan’s Image Forum Festival. Beyond directing, Xu also wrote the screenplay and created the storyboards for “Light Pillar.”