The outline reported by the press
Multiple reports describe Niu Lai as an animated feature made primarily by Xin Yumeng and his mother Sun Lifang, with the son handling direction, visuals and post-production and the mother contributing story, music, voices and songs.
Reports also repeatedly mention a roughly five-year production and household or second-hand equipment. Together these details became the film's most shareable human story.
Why this site keeps its caveats
Publicly readable material currently relies on press retellings, earlier interviews and people connected to the production rather than a complete production log. Roles, equipment, budget and timeline may still be refined by later primary accounts.
The site therefore says “according to reports” and “the core production was largely completed by two people” instead of presenting every detail as uncontested fact. That leaves room for a better archive rather than diminishing the story.
Understanding is not exemption from criticism
Personal effort can explain the result and reveal unusual determination. A theatrical ticket still gives viewers every right to judge the visuals, story, sound and any gap between promotion and screen.
The more honest reading is to acknowledge both the force of the making-of story and the responsibilities of a commercial release. The two judgments can coexist.