Excitement and Inspiration in Philadelphia Ahead of DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2024 / Comcast Corporation

Foto: Accesswire

A palpable buzz of anticipation and excitement swept Philadelphia's Crane Chinatown Community Center - as row by row of students ranging from preschoolers through teenagers filed into the sprawling gymnasium. Pencil and notebook in hand, the students took their seats at the periwinkle-topped tables, their excitement on display through smiles and laughter.

The students were there for a special opportunity: to take part in an animation masterclass, hosted by Xfinity and taught by DreamWorks Animation co-director Stephanie Ma Stine. Highlights from Stephanie's resume include working as a storyboard artist for DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and The Adventures of Puss in Boots - and most recently, co-director of the forthcoming DreamWorks film, Kung Fu Panda 4.

As Stephanie took the stage, the kids were ready to follow along - and over the next half-hour, a sea of sketches of Po, the beloved Kung Fu Master in Kung Fu Panda, came to life in notebooks throughout the room.

For Dustin, an 11th grade student, representation served as inspiration: "Seeing Asian-directed movies makes me feel heard and understood. … Asian American directors bring their own unique experiences to the table and create movies that culturally resonate with me."

Today was really about expanding horizons. To have a superstar like Stephanie Ma Stine come to Chinatown from Hollywood gives our children an idea that they can be anything.

JOHN CHIN

Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC)

"What a wonderful role model for the children," added Carol Wong, Executive Director and Owner of the Chinatown Learning Center, which calls the Crane Community Center home. "Stephanie's story is so inspirational - our kids can do it, too, if they try. Nothing should stop them."

The Crane Community Center is a Comcast Lift Zone, and is the heartbeat for many in Philadelphia's Chinatown community - providing youth programming, food distribution, health and wellness initiatives, and help navigating housing - within walking distance of Comcast's headquarters campus.

"Every time we come here, it reminds us … what can happen if we join forces together and work together and create a safe community space for all," reflected Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large.

First District Councilmember Mark Squilla added, "We were just here celebrating the Lunar New Year last week, and we had over 500 people here. This community center means so much not only to Chinatown, but also to the city of Philadelphia."