Vietnam Television (VTV) is set to produce the first two volumes of a historical cartoon series in celebration the 1,000th anniversary of the ancient capital Thang Long, now known as Hanoi, reports VietnamNet.vn. The series, entitled CHIEC GIENG THOI GIAN, (THE WELL OF TIME) includes 100 volumes representing different historical periods in Vietnam since the establishment of the country.
"All historical periods will be represented in the series. However, depending on each period, only selected events will be highlighted. We will focus on legendary historical events," said Minh Tri, director and writer of the first five volumes.
According to poet Ms. Phan Huyen Thu, co-author of the series, "the most important thing for me while writing the script is to help children learn about history in an easy and interesting way.
Although the chairman of the Vietnam History Assoc., Prof Phan Huy Le, advised the production on the historical accuracy of the series, Thu said, "The historical events will be artistically represented, on the condition that the new interpretations do not change the facts. In fact, the embellishments can help children realize that history is not a dry or difficult thing to learn about.
Thu and Tri watched many examples of foreign animation, especially historical cartoons, to learn more about this genre of animation. "MULAN from the U.S., which depicts Chinese history, is the one I like most. The animation is successful artistically and historically," Tri said.
For Thu, she watches the Cartoon Network as a way to learn about different techniques used in animation. "I am always most attracted to the plot of the cartoons," she said. "And when history is expressed in animation, the format can make it seem more entertaining."
According to Tri, the team working on this project is small. "We will be very happy to have the cooperation of people who are fascinated by historical cartoons and have the ability to draw comics.
The first two volumes of the series, entitled, TU MOT GIAC MO (FROM A DREAM) and NGAO DU TREN HOANG THANH (ROAMING ABOUT THE ROYAL CITADEL), are expected to be completed soon, and will be screened on VTV at the beginning of next year.
The total cost of producing the series, approximately VND13bil (US $812,500), is sponsored by VTV.
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