The Golden Mask, an animated film about the mysterious Sanxingdui Ruins, is under preparation and is expected to be released in 2019. The film will be produced in 3D and IMAX conditions. The film aims to use advanced animation tech. to share the prehistoric culture of Sanxingdui. The Sanxingdui Ruins located in Guanghan city, Sichuan province, cover an area of 12 square kilometers, witnessing the diverse origins of Chinese civilization.
The Sanxingdui Ruins were discovered accidentally by Yan Daocheng, a farmer, when he unearthed a bright piece of jade while digging a ditch in 1929. Later, two sacrificial pits filled with more than 1,000 national treasures, including gold masks, bronze ware, jade tablets, ivory and sacred trees were discovered in 1986 when workers were excavating clay for bricks. The Sanxingdui Ruins are believed to be remnants of the Shu Kingdom that disappeared under mysterious circumstances about 3,000 years ago. In 1988, the ruins were given state-level protection.
The Golden Mask will focus on a golden mask found during the excavation and the mysterious culture of the ruins. With investment of $20 million, the film has secured copyright certificates from China and the United States. The crew will include a Hollywood director, art designer and composer.