Mamoru Hosoda’s new anime film Scarlet (JP: 果てしなきスカーレット, Hateshinaki Scarlet) has officially been selected for two major global film festivals: the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in Italy—one of the world’s three most prestigious—and the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, the largest in North America. The film is drawing increasing international attention both as an animated feature and a Japanese film.

First-Ever Entry to the Venice International Film Festival

Hosoda’s past works have previously been selected for the Berlin (with Summer Wars in 2010) and Cannes (with Belle in 2021 and Mirai in Directors’ Fortnight in 2018), and this latest selection marks his first-ever entry into Venice—completing the trifecta of the world's top three film festivals.

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 6 (local time). Scarlet will screen in the Out of Competition section—an official spotlight category known for showcasing works from master filmmakers. While not eligible for awards, this section garners significant global attention.

Last year’s Out of Competition lineup included Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer: The Silence of Summer (2024), Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), Takeshi Kitano’s Broken Rage (2025), and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud (2024), among other notable entries.

Venice has a rich history with animation as well. Past selections include Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo (2008), and The Wind Rises (2013). In 2005, Miyazaki became the first Japanese recipient of the festival’s Honorary Golden Lion, underscoring Venice’s recognition of animated storytelling.
Hosoda commented on the selection:

“It’s a tremendous honor that Scarlet has been invited to the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival. At a time when we are witnessing heartbreaking conflicts around the world, I believe that finding love and learning to live hand in hand is what affirms our shared future. I hope this new film will resonate with audiences across the globe.”

Hosoda is also expected to attend the festival in person.

Also Selected for Toronto International Film Festival

Scarlet has also been chosen for the Special Presentation section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 4 to 14. Hosoda is scheduled to attend this festival as well.

Although TIFF does not have a traditional competition section, it awards the People’s Choice Award—determined by audience vote—which has become a key predictor for the Oscars. Past winners include La La Land (2017) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2018). In 2003, Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi won the award, establishing TIFF as a crucial stop on the awards circuit.

In recent years, Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron (2023) made history as the first Japanese film to open the festival. That same film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 96th Oscars, serving as a milestone in the global recognition of Japanese animation.

Now, Scarlet is poised to deliver a powerful emotional experience to audiences around the world, beginning with Venice and Toronto.

Story of Scarlet

“To die, to live again, and to discover love.”

After failing in her quest for revenge against her father's killer, Princess Scarlet awakens in the Land of the Dead—a nightmarish realm plagued by plunder and violence, where the weak and wounded vanish into oblivion.

There, she learns that her uncle Claudius—the very man who murdered her father and stole the throne—is also trapped in this world. Driven by vengeance, she vows to find and destroy him.

During her journey, Scarlet encounters Hijiri, a nurse from modern-day Japan who has mysteriously arrived in the Land of the Dead. Although they initially clash, they gradually form a bond as they travel together through this desolate world.

Scarlet, who knows only how to fight, and Hijiri, who abhors violence, represent two opposing worldviews. But Hijiri’s gentle care—treating Scarlet’s wounds and showing kindness to both friend and foe—slowly begins to thaw Scarlet’s frozen heart.

Meanwhile, Claudius has discovered a mythical place within the Land of the Dead known as the “Unseen Realm,” a destination of collective longing. Seizing the opportunity, he manipulates the people and tightens his rule. Upon learning that Scarlet is after him, he dispatches deadly assassins to eliminate her and cast her into the void.

Scarlet and Hijiri continue to fight off enemies and journey toward the Unseen Realm to confront Claudius. As the fateful moment approaches, Scarlet must face a crucial decision at the end of her long and perilous journey.

Source : ORICON NEWS