From Sketchbook to Silver Screen: The Rise of Director Jiaozi

As the director behind the blockbuster film "Ne Zha," Yang Yu has been making waves in the Chinese film industry. But before his rise to fame, Yang was just a ordinary student with a passion for drawing. According to his middle school teacher, 伍福先 (Wu Fuxian), Yang was a quiet and gentle student who spent most of his free time drawing. "He would always bring his sketchbook to class and draw during breaks," Wu recalled. "He was very talented, even back then."

Yang's love for drawing and animation only grew stronger as he entered college. At Huaxi Medical University, he was known for his exceptional artistic skills, and his board report designs stood out among his peers. His classmates affectionately nicknamed him "土豆" (potato), due to the homophony between his name, Yang Yu, and the Chinese word for potato.

It was during his university years that Yang discovered his passion for 3D animation design. With the support of his family, he invested in a high-end computer and spent countless hours honing his craft. One anecdote shared by his classmates reveals his dedication to his work: he once spent three consecutive days rendering a single 10-second scene.

The online community has shown significant interest and admiration for Director Jiaozi. Many have expressed pride in his accomplishments, especially after the success of "Ne Zha." Comments and posts highlight his early signs of creativity and talent, evident even during his school days. Netizens praise his dedication and the achievement of his dreams, inspiring others with his story.

Director Jiaozi's creative concept revolves around the intricate narratives that bind communities together, much like the layers of a dumpling. Their approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in exploring the human condition, with a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and artistic expression. Through their lens, everyday stories become epic tales of love, loss, and the pursuit of identity, reflecting the director's own journey and the world around us.

As his middle school teacher, Wu Fuxian, proudly noted, "He was always a talented and hardworking student, and I'm not surprised he's achieved such great things." Yang's perseverance and talent eventually paid off, as he went on to create the hugely successful "Ne Zha" series, which has broken box office records and garnered widespread acclaim. Despite his success, Yang remains humble and true to his roots, often incorporating elements of his childhood and personal experiences into his films.