The 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony of the Ottawa International Animation Festival has concluded, celebrating groundbreaking animated works from around the globe. Japanese anime productions prominently featured among the honorees, with "We Are Aliens" securing the Grand Prize for Animated Feature, "Eri" earning the Best Animated Short Award, and "Candy Caries" recognized in the Animation for Young Audiences 7+ Competition.
"We Are Aliens" Takes Grand Prize Feature
NOTHING NEW's anime film, "We Are Aliens" (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin), received the coveted Grand Prize for Animated Feature. Directed by Kōhei Kadowaki, the film recently premiered in Japan and has already garnered significant international attention. Its journey includes screenings at the Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the New Zealand International Film Festival. It is also slated for the 31st Busan International Film Festival in the "Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1" category.
Kadowaki's extensive involvement as planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor highlights his singular vision for the project. He is known for his work on the second "BEASTARS" season's ending sequence and various music videos. Yaffle, a producer for artists like Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu, composed the film's music. NOTHING NEW spearheaded the planning and production, with French studio Miyu Productions collaborating. The film's theme song, "Sasakure" (Split), is performed by adieu.
"Eri" Wins Best Animated Short
Honami Yano's animated short, "Eri," was awarded the Best Animated Short Award. This poignant Japanese-French production explores a unique narrative: "In a world where dairy cows must bear calves to survive, Eri, a Holstein, falls in love with another cow. Her sighs linger through sleepless nights — will they find their way to the one she loves?" Yano, acclaimed for works like "A Bite of Bone" and "ChromosomeSweetheart," wrote, animated, and directed the short.
"Eri" is an adaptation of Kasumi Asakura's 2008 novel, "Hoka ni Dare ga iru" (Who Else is There?). The short made its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival, marking another significant international showing for Japanese animation talent.
"Candy Caries" Delights Young Audiences
Tomoki Misato and Wit Studio's original television anime, "Candy Caries," earned an award in the Animation for Young Audiences 7+ Competition. The series premiered within the "Yoru no Brunch" variety program on TBS and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
"Candy Caries" is a slapstick comedy centered on Ame, a child with a fondness for sweets, and Caries, the personification of tooth decay residing in her mouth. Caries leads a carefree existence within Ame's mouth, affectionately calling her "Mama," and Ame's well-being is often subject to Caries' whims. The show's unique visual style was first revealed in a 2021 stop-motion anime promotional video, following Wit Studio's establishment of a stop-motion studio with Misato in December 2020. Misato describes the animation as a semi three-dimensional technique using plastic board and acrylic, creating a "flat like an illustration, but plump and thick" aesthetic. Kenshirō Morii serves as assistant director, Chiaki Nishiaka writes the script, Akari Saitō edits, and Keigo Hoashi composes the music.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival's recognition of these diverse Japanese anime projects underscores their quality and global appeal across various genres and age demographics. Congratulations to all the talented creators and teams involved.
