Sci-fi animated film advocating parent-child bond to hit cinemas

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- "Next Gen," an animated film telling the adventures of a neglected girl and a sentient robot, is to be screened Friday in Chinese cinemas.

Based on the online Chinese comic "7723" by Wang Nima, the animated science fiction film aims at reminding busy parents of the need to spend quality time with their children, said the producer and screenwriter Hao Yu.

"During their upbringing, what children really need from their parents is time, rather than just gifts," Hao said.