At this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, French animator Jacques-Remy Girerd is heading the jury for the animation category in the Golden Goblet Awards. CGTN’s Shen Li had a chat with the prolific director, whose filmography over the years included the award-winning "Raining Cats and Frogs" and "A Cat in Paris.”

Below is an edited version of the interview for clarity. 

CGTN: As the jury president of the animation category of the Golden Goblet Award, what're your criteria when evaluating a work?

Girerd: Evidently, the story is the first thing we consider – a beautiful, strong and touching story, original that touches people. And for an animation film, the quality of the graphics, the aesthetics are also important because animation is all about the visuals. The story tops it all because we can’t make a great animation with just a good graphic artist with no storyline. 

CGTN: Does the theme matter?

Girerd: We’re open to all the styles, genres and themes. It’s goal of the jury to not limit themselves in one direction but to welcome diversity.

CGTN: In recent years, French cartoons have been popular in China, including "The Big Nasty Fox and Other Tales" and "Ernest and Celestine" are well-loved by children as well as adults. What do you think of that?   

Girerd: I did a film called “Raining Cats and Frogs,” [which was] well-received in China and elsewhere. Everybody just loved it – children [and] adults worldwide. Benjamin whose animation films you just mentioned received training at the school I initiated. So there’s a connection between our works. Also what Benjamin did beautifully is to put different layers of stories for interpretations. So the people of all ages find it interesting.

CGTN: I think French animations has a special quality that resonates with the Chinese audience.

Girerd: Everyone is free. In France, we don’t do films on certain models, like Japanese anime or American cartoons. We try to find our own style, story inspired by our own culture. I think for Chinese, it’s the same because you also have a rich and profound culture. And graphics and history are important to us. So we have the same objectives, and source so we understand each other. That’s why Chinese people love French animations we share some aesthetics and culture.

CGTN: Have you watched a Chinese animation that you’re interested in?

Girerd: "The Monkey King." I think the Chinese animators have done a remarkable job. During the festival, I hope to have the chance to watch more Chinese animations, because I know the quality and it’s growing powerful in the past few years. And it has now gained an important maturity.