Yan Shanchun (1934–2024), a renowned animation director at the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, passed away on July 25, 2024. After graduating from the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in 1958, he joined the Shanghai Animation Film Studio later the same year. Over his long career, he has worked as animator, animation designer, art designer, film director, and more. He participated in the production of, among others, Uproar in Heaven (1961–64), The Herd Boy’s Flute (1963), Nezha Conquers the Dragon King (1979), and Golden Monkey Conquers the Demon (1985). He has also directed and codirected around ten animated projects, including Mr. Wolf’s Treat (1980), The Adventures of the Dirt King (1986–87), Feelings of Mountain and River (1988), Storm in a Desert (1992), The Little Snail Celebrates His Birthday (1996), and Qin Dynasty: Fantasia of Terracotta (2003). He is a member and honorary director of the Shanghai Film Association.

Yan Shanchun’s award-winning animated short Storm in a Desert (1992)