Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda (2008) is an American animated film from DreamWorks that we are screening as part of our monthly Philofilm, introduced and discussed by Dr. Mireille Post.

The clumsy panda Po dreams of a life as a kung fu fighter. Then his dream comes true: he is chosen as the Dragon Warrior. Now it is up to Po to protect the Valley of Peace from Tai Lung. A hopeless case, or maybe not? Studio DreamWorks (Shrek) spent four years creating the masterfully detailed animation in various styles and invested millions of dollars in the impressive voice work of the strong voice cast. Funny, cheerful, and very lucrative. In 2011 and 2016, equally well-made sequels were released.

In the post-discussion, insights from philosophy and psychology are discussed in relation to the film. What is reality? Can you avoid pain or does that create more pain? And what is the meaning and significance of life? And what does this mean for how we want to lead our own lives?

About Dr. Mireille Post: Mireille is an assistant professor of transformative learning for individuals and organizations at the University of Twente. This type of learning requires you to look at yourself, the world, and the meaning of life in a different way, which is inherently a challenging process. Mireille also works as a combination functionary at UT & Concordia, where she explores, teaches, and shapes the role of art and culture in change processes and vice versa.