Liu Minxia

mllmx@163.com

A FRENCH music and arts troupe visited the Greater Bay Area International Vaccine Innovation Center in Pingshan District on Tuesday afternoon, delivering a vibrant cartoon voiceover concert to approximately 30 children from Shenzhen and their parents at a Festival Croisements event.

The 2024 Festival Croisements, featuring more than 400 events held across 31 Chinese cities, carries special significance as this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

During the event, French theater artist Sophie Lavallée and pianist Camille Phelep provided voiceovers and music for five classic cartoons that spotlighted cartoon characters’ abilities to triumph over challenges with wisdom and bravery.

“The two artists are highly talented and presented us with cartoon mimes enriched with music and mimicry,” said Christophe Bagonneau, the cultural consul of France in Guangzhou. “It was not only enjoyable but also provided children with a chance to perform.”

The young guests also had the opportunity to dub for the films alongside the French artists, experiencing the charm and joy brought by innovative art performances and French culture.

Following the concert, predominantly primary school students from Shenzhen toured the center to learn about vaccination and immune health, gaining a deeper understanding of life’s essence and the importance of well-being.

Established in 2021 by global vaccine giant Sanofi Pasteur and the Shenzhen city government, the center stands as the world’s first international vaccine innovation center, showcasing the history of vaccine development and humanity’s battle against epidemics.

Featuring 14 public-accessible exhibition sections within the Pingshan Biology Innovation Industrial Park, the center serves as a leading science outreach platform on vaccines, drawing numerous enthusiastic visitors, according to Zhang Mingfeng, chief business promotion officer of Sanofi Vaccines China.

Enthralled by the interactive exhibitions, young visitors expressed their thoughts on vaccines throughout different historical periods through engaging activities like drawing and writing.

“This is a profoundly meaningful event that has helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of vaccine development,” said Jiang Xinyue, a sixth-grader from Zhongshan Primary School in Pingshan. “I hope that humanity continues to develop more vaccines through research to safeguard ourselves against epidemics.”

Nicolas Pillerel, minister and counselor for culture, education, and science at the French Embassy in China, said that Sanofi has been involved in the Festival Croisements for 11 years.

“This year, by infusing art into children’s lives through a cartoon comedy concert, we are pleased to witness the intersection of art and health,” he said.