The global anime film scene is buzzing as several prestigious international film festivals announce their lineups, featuring exciting new animated works and beloved franchises. The Ottawa International Animation Film Festival (OIAF), the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), and the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) are set to showcase a diverse range of films, promising something for every anime and film enthusiast.
We Are Aliens Lands at Major Festivals
Kōhei Kadowaki and NOTHING NEW's anime film, We Are Aliens (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin), is making waves, confirmed for screenings at OIAF, MIFF, and NZIFF. This eagerly anticipated film delves into the complex relationship between Tsubasa and Gyōtarō, two boys whose close elementary school friendship fractured due to jealousy and misunderstandings. Years later, as young adults, their past memories resurface, forcing them to confront the events that drove them apart.
The film boasts a talented voice cast, with Ryōta Bandō lending his voice to the adult Tsubasa and Amane Okayama portraying the adult Gyōtarō. Child actors Yūto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, discovered through auditions, voice the younger versions of Tsubasa and Gyōtarō, respectively. This blend of seasoned and new talent promises a nuanced portrayal of the characters' emotional journey.
Creative Team Behind We Are Aliens
We Are Aliens is a passion project for Kōhei Kadowaki, who took on multiple pivotal roles, including planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor. Kadowaki's previous work includes the acclaimed ending sequence for the second BEASTARS season and music videos for YOASOBI, showcasing his versatile creative vision. The film's atmospheric score is composed by Yaffle, known for his work with prominent artists like Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu.
Production for We Are Aliens was spearheaded by NOTHING NEW, a company founded in 2022 with the mission to nurture talent. French studio Miyu Productions, known for films like Ghost Cat Anzu, collaborated on the production, joining the project in June 2025. This international partnership highlights the global appeal and collaborative spirit behind the film.
Festival Journey and Crowdfunding Success
We Are Aliens has already garnered international attention, having screened at the Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival on May 14. It also competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which commenced recently and concludes on June 27. Its presence at these prestigious festivals underscores its quality and critical acclaim.
The film's reach is expanding globally, with sales company CHARADES licensing distribution rights to Hooray Films in Taiwan, Shaw Organisation in Singapore, Intercontinental Film Distributors in Hong Kong, and Sahamongkol Film in Thailand. CHARADES continues to handle international sales, ensuring the film finds audiences worldwide.
Adding to its success, the production team launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Motion Gallery website in November. The campaign aimed to enhance the film's quality and broaden its distribution. It successfully surpassed its 8 million yen (approximately US$50,365) target, raising an impressive 9,604,510 yen (approximately US$60,467) by its close on March 2. This overwhelming support from fans demonstrates significant anticipation for the film.
Other Exciting Festival Lineups
Beyond We Are Aliens, the festivals are set to deliver more cinematic treats:
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OIAF Highlights: The Ottawa International Animation Film Festival will also feature Gekijōban Mononoke Dai-San-Shō: Hebigami (Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 3: Snake God), the third installment in the Mononoke film trilogy. Additionally, OIAF will showcase a collection of short films, student films, and animation tailored for young audiences, including Atsushi Wada's little boarlet, Honami Yano's Eri, Daiyu Li's When The Mountains Shook, and Tomiki Misato's Candy Caries.
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MIFF and NZIFF Live-Action: The Melbourne International Film Festival and the New Zealand International Film Festival will jointly screen Kiyoshi Kurosawa's live-action film adaptation of Honobu Yonezawa's The Samurai and the Prisoner (Kokurōjō) samurai historical mystery novel, offering a different genre for attendees.
Festival Dates
Mark your calendars for these exciting cinematic events:
- NZIFF: July 29 - August 9
- MIFF: August 6 - August 23
- OIAF: September 23 - September 27
These festivals present unique opportunities to experience both groundbreaking animation and compelling live-action narratives from Japan and beyond. Don't miss the chance to catch these highly anticipated films!
