The anime film "Ghost Cat Anzuchan," co-directed by anime's rising star Yoko Kuno and acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Nobuhiro Yamashita, with actor Mirai Moriyama providing the voice and motion, has been officially selected for screening in the "Directors' Fortnight" at the 77th Cannes International Film Festival, held in France (local time: May 14-25). This marks the first Cannes appearance for both directors Kuno and Yamashita.

Director Kuno was thrust into the spotlight at the age of 23 as the rotoscope director for "The Case of Hana & Alice" (2015), garnering attention from the worlds of animation, manga, and illustration. Director Yamashita has handled various projects including "Linda Linda Linda" (2005) and "Let's Go Karaoke!" (2024).

"Ghost Cat Anzuchan," based on the manga of the same name by Takashi Imashiro, features Anzu, a cat that doesn't die even after decades, eventually learning to speak human language. The film utilizes the rotoscope technique, drawing from live-action footage for its animation. The production is a collaboration between Shin-Ei Animation, known for "Doraemon" and "Crayon Shin-chan," and the award-winning French studio MIYU Productions, with Shin-Ei handling character movement and MIYU managing background art and color.

The "Directors' Fortnight" at Cannes, where works with distinctive authorial voices are showcased, is a highly prestigious section that has served as a gateway for filmmakers globally. This year's section has gained additional attention for using an illustration by Takeshi Kitano for its poster.

Previously, directors such as Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee, Aki Kaurismäki, and from Japan, Nagisa Oshima, Takeshi Kitano, and Miwa Nishikawa have been selected. This selection marks the third Japanese feature-length animation to be chosen in the past six years, following Isao Takahata's "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" and Mamoru Hosoda's "Mirai." During today's lineup announcement, the film was described as "a work aimed at children, youth, and adults alike, featuring poetic and mysterious creatures.

Full Comment by Director Yoko Kuno:

"Who would have thought that Anzuchan, the ghost cat, would take us to Cannes! For the past year and a half, our Japanese and French team has diligently worked on this animation, and I never imagined it would receive such spotlight. I am truly surprised and incredibly happy to share this wonderful news with everyone who participated in this very handmade and exploratory film project! Also, a big thank you to Producer Kondo who invited Director Yamashita and me to this fun animation project—please let us treat you to some big steak in Cannes."

Full Comment by Director Nobuhiro Yamashita:

"When 'Ghost Cat Anzuchan' was selected for the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, I first thought it was a joke. Here I am, involved in a project based on the original work by Ima Ishiro, scripted by Ima Okashinji, and I even made a program likely to upset Cannes called 'Yamada Takayuki's Cannes Film Festival.' Yet, Cannes has shown great inclusiveness. I believe this is all thanks to the hard work of Director Yoko Kuno. So, I'd like to treat her to some seafood in Cannes. I'm looking forward to it."

Full Comment by Mirai Moriyama:

"Congratulations, Mr. Yamashita and Ms. Kuno. Next time, please treat me to a katsudon."