On September 15th, the “Exploring New Frontiers · Moving Forward with Innovation — Jilin Animation Institute 25th Anniversary Celebration” was held at the university’s Culture and Arts Center. The 25 years of development embody a history of striving to “break boundaries.” Jilin Animation Institute (JAI) has crossed traditional education models and built a bridge for students’ growth from campus to industry through its “integration of education, research, and industry.” These 25 years also represent a march toward innovation — guided by the core culture of “Four Innovations,” persisting in exploration, transformation, and progress, which has made JAI’s path of distinctive education increasingly clear.
The grand ceremony was filled with distinguished guests and a warm atmosphere. Attendees included: Jiang Ping, First-Class Director of the China Film Group, President of the Xia Yan Film Society of China, and Distinguished Professor of JAI; Wang Fuyuan, Former Secretary-General of the CPPCC Jilin Province; Li Jun, Former Director of the Department of Education of Jilin Province; Zheng Liguo, Chairman of the Board and President of JAI; Yue Wu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Supervisory Commissioner; Liu Xin, Vice Chairman of the Board; Liu Zhenhua, Executive President; Yu Gengpu, Former President; Hu Weige, Former Executive Vice President; Zhu Li, Former Vice President; Li Chunyi, Former Vice President; Pei Yuxia, Former Vice President; Xie Yannan, Former Professor of the School of Film and Drama; members of the Board of Directors; school leaders; deans of colleges and departments; faculty and staff representatives; and student representatives. Together, they reviewed the 25-year journey, witnessed achievements, and envisioned the future. President Zheng Liguo delivered a keynote speech titled Inheritance and Leadership, and Jiang Ping also addressed the audience.
Event Scene
Speech by Zheng Liguo
Zheng Liguo emphasized that over the past 25 years, JAI has always upheld the Party’s leadership, stayed committed to the fundamental mission of cultivating talents with moral integrity, actively served and integrated into national strategies, and firmly rooted its education in China. From this, the spirit and philosophy of JAI have emerged: perseverance, unity, and innovation. Its culture is defined by loyalty, dedication, resilience, and continuity; its values by pioneering spirit, collective strength, and brand prominence. This spirit has been forged through the shared struggles and contributions of all at JAI and has become a lasting part of its DNA.
Looking to the future, Zheng stated that JAI will “fully and accurately implement the new development philosophy and accelerate the creation of a new development paradigm.” Guided by the JAI spirit, the institute will advance toward its strategic goal of “pursuing distinctive development, deepening the integration of industry and education, upgrading innovation and entrepreneurship, building a national-level innovation and entrepreneurship academy, shaping a high-level applied university with unique characteristics, and fully building an entrepreneurial university.” Specifically, JAI will:
Firmly promote distinctive development and continue to deepen its integrated teaching system of industry and education.
Seize opportunities in the age of artificial intelligence, aligning with national strategies for technological advancement, and establish interdisciplinary systems driven by market-oriented projects.
Fully construct the Shuangyang Industry-Education Integrated Campus as a new landmark of integrated development in “Education + Technology + Cultural Tourism + Research & Study + Entrepreneurship + Experience.”
Uphold the principle of people-centered development and advance the strategy of strengthening the university with talents.
Consistently adhere to the socialist core values throughout the entire educational process, consolidating its ideological foundation.
He concluded: “In the past 25 years, we have delivered excellent achievements! In the future, on the great journey of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, JAI will continue to break boundaries more firmly, move toward innovation with greater determination, and embark on a brand-new golden era!”
Speech by Jiang Ping
Jiang Ping recalled that ten years ago, in this very hall and on this very stage, after Chairman Zheng finished his speech and returned to his seat, he was filled with emotion. The mere 15 meters between the audience and the podium represented 15 years of struggle — a journey of perseverance difficult to express in words. Now, 25 years have passed, leaving footprints of varying depths along the way. Each footprint represents a firm step, filled with tears, sweat, and even blood from the struggle. These deeply rooted, solid footprints have supported JAI as it steadfastly moved forward.
He also shared his collaboration with JAI students in 2024, praising their diligence, discipline, and professionalism during their internship on the film crew of Close to Me, See You. He attributed these qualities to JAI’s education and guidance. He expressed his commitment to continue working with JAI to create outstanding works of profound thought, exquisite artistry, and fine craftsmanship, while strengthening cultural confidence and celebrating the Party, the nation, the people, and the heroes. He firmly believes JAI will achieve even more “firsts” in Chinese film history.
School Song Performance
The celebration began with a ceremonial countdown video, followed by a stunning performance of the school anthem Dynamic World. The JAI Choir and the 10th Anniversary Choir performed a “virtual duet across time and space,” where stage lighting and background visuals intertwined to narrate the institute’s 25 years of history. The performance culminated in a collective chorus, lifting the atmosphere to a climax.
Award Ceremony
Throughout JAI’s 25-year development, countless contributors have strengthened its foundations, connected past and future through inheritance, and propelled the school forward through innovation. To honor these builders, the event included the JAI Spirit Awards ceremony, presenting four categories:
“New Vision · Rising Star Award”
“Enduring Companionship · Heritage Award”
“Steadfast Dedication · Perseverance Award”
“25 Years of Cultivation · Cornerstone Award”
These awards recognized the new forces growing alongside JAI, the bridges carrying forward its legacy, the backbones steering with conviction, and the cornerstones safeguarding its spirit and culture.
The short film Toward the Light, Life Flourishes revisited the theme of light stretching from past to future, symbolizing the joint pursuit of dreams between JAI and its students, further conveying the institute’s vision for the future.
Poetry Recitation
Poetry Recital: The Future Is Promising
Performed in dialogue form by early alumni-turned-teachers and current students, the recital featured four acts: “Cognition, Breakthrough, Sublimation, Inheritance.” With shifting light and shadow, blending historical weight and youthful vitality, the recital traced JAI’s path of breakthroughs, voiced its desire for innovation, and ended with a collective pledge to pass on the “Boundary-Breaking Spirit” from generation to generation, highlighting the unity of the JAI community.
Floral Tribute
At the end, student representatives presented flowers to former leaders and teachers who had devoted their efforts to the institute’s foundation, paying respect to their hard work and dedication, which made today’s flourishing JAI possible.
Group Photo
The 25th Anniversary Celebration not only summarized JAI’s development but also marked a new starting point for consolidating strength, inheriting spirit, and embarking on a new journey. Guided by the philosophy of “Creating New Concepts, Opening New Horizons,” and with the vision of “Holding the universe in our hearts, standing firm on the earth, embracing the world, and soaring between heaven and earth,” JAI will continue to “explore new frontiers and move forward with innovation” along its path of distinctive education. It is committed to cultivating more high-quality, application-oriented talents for the cultural and creative industries and writing a new chapter in the institute’s development.
