AI-ASSISTED ANIMATED MUSICAL FILM “PLUMP BlLOSSOM” PRESENTS A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Advertisers
- By Rommel Gonzales
In the midst of the ongoing debate over Pinoy versus Hollywood movies, and the uninformed notion that Filipino films are “paulit-ulit” —i.e. do not offer something new—one locally made full-length film wants to present a fresh perspective to the audience.
Opening in theaters nationwide on September 23, is the English-language animated musical film “Plump Blossom” from Filipino company Kapitana Entertainment Media.
Set in the fictitious Huang Dynasty of ancient China, the heartwarming story is about a food-loving chubby Princess Ruo Hua (a.k.a. Plump Blossom) who disguises herself as a palace maid to pursue a passion for cooking, only to stumble upon the wounded young General Jian whom she secretly nurses back to health. When war threatens the kingdom, tearing her and the general apart, and Plump Blossom is banished to the Cold Palace for defying palace protocol, she chooses to remain silent to protect the kingdom, her father and the general.
Giving life to the fascinating characters are trilingual host and social media star Candice Tan as Princess Ruo Hua, former MTV VJ-turned-entrepreneur Don Puno as General Jian, book author Gutch Gutierrez as Chef Bao, church pastor Chad Williams as General Feather, content creator and chef Thunderson Tan as Assistant Chef Wen, pastor Yeng Her as Yuan Yuan the Pekingese, and actor and singer Audie Gemora as the Emperor.
“Plump Blossom” is the first locally produced full-length animated feature project to openly incorporate AI-assisted tools into its production workflow. The combination of new technology, and human talent, creativity and vision have produced an enjoyable family movie that honors the virtues of kindness and courage, while also promoting body positivity.
Also, “Plump Blossom” has an original soundtrack of tunes inspired by Chinese musical traditions and theatrical influences, with touches of Chinese opera. Candice Tan, US-based Filipina theater artist Paulina Natasha Yeung, and sought-after wedding singer have lent their voices to the film’s enthralling songs.
Although the film’s characters and setting are of ancient China, its themes of love, family, and heritage are universal. Early reviews are positive. Economist and broadcaster Winnie Monsod praised the production, particularly writer-director-producer Rossana Hwang, saying, “You have outdone yourself, Rossana!”
Anticipation is building up as “Plump Blossom” gears for cinema release in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Rossana declared, “I hope audiences enjoy the story and get thrilled by the love story and appreciate Chinese-inspired culture and traditions. I hope the characters make them smile. I also want them to enjoy the music. I want viewers to feel transported into another world.”
To keep updated, like and follow Plump Blossom The Movie and Kapitana Entertainment Media on Facebook. * * *