French animator Jacques-Remy Girerd is heading the Jury, for the Animation category, of the Golden Goblet Awards. CGTN's Shen Li sat down with the prolific director, whose filmography over the years includes the award-winning "Raining Cats and Frogs" and "A Cat in Paris".

Q1: As the jury president of the animation category of the Golden Goblet Award, what's your criteria when evaluating a work?

A1: Evidently, the story is the first thing we consider, a beautiful, strong and touching story, original that touches people. And for animation film, the quality of the graphics, the aesthetic 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.

Q2: Does the theme matters?

A2: 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.

Q3: In recent years, French cartoons have been popular in China, including "The Big Nasty Fox and Other Tales" this year and "Ernest and Celestine" are well loved by children as well as adults. What do you think of that?

A3: I did a film called "Prophet of the Frog", well received in China and elsewhere. Everybody just loved it. Children, 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.

Q4: I think French animations has a special quality that resonate with the Chinese audience.

A4: Everyone is free. In France we don't do films on certain model, 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.

Q5: Have you watched a Chinese animation or something that you're interested in?

A5: 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.