A delighted girl plays with her new friend, the key character in the upcoming animated film, Wish Dragon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Excitement is building ahead of the world release of the Wish Dragon – a new computer animated comedy film developed by local company Base Media – which was previewed on Jan 9 in Xiamen city, in East China's Fujian province, according to local officials.

Local media reported that the image of the adorable dragon captured the hearts of the audience, no matter their ages. The film is modern-day fairy tale, which explores the challenges that emerge from an encounter between a boy and a dragon who is able to make wishes come true.

The animation?- starring and co-produced by actor Jackie Chan?- will officially have its world release in cinemas in China on Jan 15, after five years of production.

The producers say Wish Dragon draws its inspiration from China, recounting a warming story about growth, courage and true love.

Base Media settled in Xiamen in 2014 and set up the headquarters of its animation company -- Base Animation – in Xiamen in 2017.

During the 33rd China Film Golden Rooster Awards in 2020, Sunac Culture Group and Siming district in Xiamen signed a contract to establish the Xiamen Sunac Film Culture Town. Officials said that as a subsidiary of Sunac Culture Group, Base Media will be closely involved in all walks of life in Xiamen.

They said that moving forwards, Base Media will help promote the training of film and television and animation talent in Xiamen.