On May 19th local time, director Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, a borderless artist active as both a Japanese painter and animation creator, took the stage at the "Animation Day" Annecy Animation Showcase of the "77th Cannes International Film Festival" Marché du Film in Cannes, France. In front of film industry professionals from around the world, he presented his feature-length animation "A NEW DAWN" (Japanese title TBD, scheduled for theatrical release in 2025).

"A NEW DAWN" is the first feature-length animation created by Shinomiya, a unique artist who has engaged in various creative activities across genres, including contributions to animation works by renowned directors such as Makoto Shinkai and Sunao Katabuchi, while maintaining his career as a Japanese painter. The film is based on his original screenplay.

The story depicts the final two days surrounding the forced eviction of the 330-year-old Hanabi Fireworks Factory, home to three young individuals, and their encounter with the mythical firework "Shuhari."

The newly released international teaser visual features the Hanabi Fireworks Factory, an important location for the characters. The detailed depiction of the house and the play of light and shadow created by Shinomiya's hand as a Japanese painter result in a striking visual.

"Animation Day" is a one-day event held in conjunction with the Cannes International Film Festival, in partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which has the longest history of any animation film festival. It is part of the world’s largest market (film fair), the Marché du Film, focusing on the unique artistic nature of animation through a curated program. The Annecy Animation Showcase spotlights five works in various stages of production, aiming to expand recognition among sales agents, distribution companies, and film festivals.

This year, alongside "A NEW DAWN," projects such as "Mu-Ki-Ra" (Director: Estefania Piñeres / Production Countries: Colombia, Spain) by Abano Productions, known for "Unicorn Wars" (currently in theaters), "In Waves" (Director: Phuong Mai Nguyen / Production Countries: France, Belgium) by France's major distribution company Charades, "THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS" (Directors: Atiq Rahimi & Caroline Piochon / Production Countries: France, Luxembourg), and "THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS" (Director: Cynthia Fernandez Trejo / Production Country: Mexico) were selected.

The showcase began, and "A NEW DAWN" was the fifth presentation. Director Shinomiya greeted the audience on stage, saying, "Using Japanese painting as a base, while incorporating digital technology and traditional techniques like multiplane cameras and clay animation, we depict a fireworks factory on the verge of disappearing through painstaking analog techniques. The story portrays the destruction of traditional skills, stories, and historically rich landscapes held by the family." He then revealed the production methods. Subsequently, a 10-minute making-of movie consisting of production art, some materials from the main film, and an interview with the director was screened, concluding the event.

Source : ORICON NEWS