First original Tibetan animated TV show to make debut

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Tibet's first original animated series will hit TV screens in May, featuring stories about legendary Tibetan folk hero Agu Dainba, a Nasreddin-like figure.

Produced by Tibet Tianli Company, it will be broadcast via Tibet TV Station and Lhasa TV Station, among other networks. With 52 episodes, the series will use puppet animation and be dubbed in the Tibetan language.

Tibetan show's heroes prepare to make public debut. /Photo by tibet.cn

Agu Dainba, or Uncle Dainba, is a household name in Tibet. In Tibetan folklore, he is noted for his intelligence and helping free the poor from their feudal rulers.

The show will explore over 20 stories about the wise man, known for his funny stories and anecdotes.

The producer will also publish a series of cartoon books and other related products to be rolled-out nationwide.

The folk figure appeared in Tibet's first comedy in 1983. Playwright Soinam Cering said that he had collected more than 200 stories about Uncle Dainba from local people.

Plans were unveiled last year for another animated show in the Tibet Autonomous Region featuring Gesar, a Tibetan legend.

One of the main characters of Tibet's first animated show. /Photo by tibet.cn

Based on "The Epic of King Gesar," a World Intangible Cultural Heritage item listed by UNESCO, the cartoon is still under production.

The masterpiece of Tibetan folk literature has been preserved by local singers and storytellers since the 12th century.

Tibet conducted a census on intangible cultural heritage in 2006 to preserve and promote traditional cultural resources. Over 1,000 forms of intangible cultural heritage, including music, dance, craftsmanship, medicine and folkways, were recorded in the census.

"The Epic of King Gesar" and Tibetan opera were among the 89 items recognized as national-level intangible cultural heritage.

(Source: Xinhua)

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