New animation When Mao Zedong was Young targeted at informing a new generation of Chinese about the legacy of the former leader

China has announced a new animated film aimed at celebrating the nation's former leader Mao Zedong, according to the South China Morning Post.

A still from When Mao Zedong was Young shows the architect of the Cultural Revolution in his teenage years, sporting a long braid in the traditional style. The film is aimed at boosting Mao's image by reaching out to young people who may not be aware of his three decades in power.

"Children like to watch cartoons. The old and stereotypical style [of presenting leaders] can't engage them any more. This is the 21st century," said Lu Huasheng, art director at propaganda unit Qiushi's film and TV centre. "We can't be stuck in the old ways. We need to be innovative," he told the Post.

The 30 million yuan (£3m) film's acceptance by authorities came as a surprise to director Lei Junlin, 41, who had expected the idea to be vetoed by the general office of the ruling communist party's central committee. It would once have been taboo to portray Zedong as a cartoon, but the animation has now been selected as one of three films to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Mao's birth at the end of this year. Hopes are reportedly high a 3D version will be ready in 2014.

"Desanctifying Mao is a significant goal of the film. Just like every other child, he was naughty and liked to play tricks. There hasn't been enough coverage of Mao's childhood," said Lei.

To ensure a realistic portrayal, producers sent 600 volunteers to Mao's hometown in Shaoshan in Hunan province to gather anecdotes about him. Film-makers reportedly struggled to balance the exaggerated expressions often featured in animation with the solemnity required when dealing with the founder of modern China.

The Chinese government has seen cinema as an important mass production art form and tool for propaganda ever since the PRC's establishment in 1949. While many Hollywood and Hong Kong films have been banned in the country, Chinese films focusing on peasants, soldiers and workers have been allowed to flourish.

Last year the number of foreign films which can screen in the world's most populous nation was increased from 20 to 34, but authorities still maintain a close watch on international movies, with many cut for a Chinese audience or refused permission to screen altogether. Despite the paucity of their numbers, Hollywood films account for about 40% of the country's box office takings. The huge success of Dreamworks Animation's Kung Fu Panda films in China may have helped to change attitudes towards animated fare.