The Franco-Japanese animated film "Ghost Cat Anzu," selected for the Directors' Fortnight at the 77th Cannes Film Festival (local time: May 14–25), is set to have its official screening. Ahead of its release on July 19, the trailer, cast, theme song, and poster visuals have been unveiled.

Based on the manga of the same name by Takashi Imashiro, the film is animated using the rotoscoping technique, which involves redrawing over live-action footage. Haruko Kuno, who gained recognition as the rotoscope director for "The Case of Hana & Alice" (2015) and is an emerging creator celebrated in animation, manga, and illustration, co-directs with Nobuhiro Yamashita, known for works like "Linda Linda Linda" (2005) and "Let's Go Karaoke!" (2024). Actor Mirai Moriyama lends his voice and movements to the characters.

The animation production is a collaboration between Shin-Ei Animation, known for "Doraemon" and "Crayon Shin-chan" and skilled in portraying delicate actions as seen in "Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window," and the award-winning French studio MIYU Productions, which is undertaking its first full-length Franco-Japanese project. Shin-Ei Animation handles character movements, while MIYU Productions is responsible for background art and coloration.

The poster visual, unexpectedly hinting at a bold depiction of hell while showing Anzu and her friend Karin spending time at a temple, is designed by director Kuno herself, with art direction by Julien De Man, creating a masterful piece with vibrant colors and backgrounds.

The newly released trailer showcases the adventures and escape of Ghost Cat Anzu and a young girl, Karin. Picked up by a temple monk during a thunderous downpour, the kitten named "Anzu" grows up and, after 10, 20, and then 30 years without dying, begins to speak human language and live as a "ghost cat." Karin, abandoned by her father, encounters Anzu. Muka Aoki voices Karin’s father, Tetsuya, and his movements, while Miwako Ichikawa plays Karin's mother, Yuzuki, a model and actor known for her lifestyle.

Participating in rotoscope for the first time, Aoki reflects on the filming, expressing excitement about how it connects to the animation. Ichikawa recalls the relaxed atmosphere of the set, which she hopes will be enjoyed in the anime as well.

The film's theme song is "Matatabi" by Chiai Sato, who composed the song with a message: "To all lives carrying pain but still moving forward, may your journey be wonderful." This song, enveloping the miraculous story of Anzu and Karin, was first previewed in the trailer. Suzuki Keiichi, the voice of the monk raising Anzu, handles the in-film music, adding a unique touch with his delicate music.

Aoki Munetaka's Comment

It was a hot summer day of filming. In the nostalgic scenes typical of Japan, the shooting with Yamashita's team progressed comfortably. The beer we drank at a small eatery with Mirai after filming was exceptionally delightful.

Miwako Ichikawa's Comment

When I first opened the script, I fell in love at first sight with Anzu's appearance. Despite the absurd dialogue and story, everything was incredibly cute. The characters were truly carefree, almost making us forget the present times.

Theme Song by Chiaki Sato

Everyone might have memories of "that summer." Festival sounds, lukewarm ramune, and passing showers. "Ghost Cat Anzu" is a work where the everyday and the mystical coexist, like a midsummer night's dream from childhood.

Edit By Taimu Tsuji
Source ORICON NEWS