We Are Aliens Anime Film Shines, New Footage Streamed
Kōhei Kadowaki and NOTHING NEW’s We Are Aliens (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin) anime film is gaining significant international acclaim, most recently receiving Special Mentions at the 21st Rome Film Festival and an Honorable Mention at the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival this past Sunday. Adding to the excitement, the film's official website streamed new footage on Monday, giving fans a fresh glimpse into the award-winning production. This stream highlights the film's growing global recognition, building on its impressive journey through numerous prestigious festivals and cementing its status as a must-watch anime feature.
A Heartfelt Story of Past and Present
We Are Aliens centers on the poignant story of Tsubasa and Gyōtarō, two boys whose close elementary school friendship fractured due to jealousy and misunderstandings. After years of drifting apart and pursuing different life paths, memories of their shared past resurface, compelling them to confront the events that drove them apart. The narrative explores themes of rekindled connection, regret, and the challenging path to reconciliation, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of formative relationships and the courage required to face unresolved history.
Diverse Voice Cast Brings Characters to Life
The film features a compelling voice cast, bringing depth to its characters across their different ages. Ryōta Bandō (Fureru., live-action How to Train Your Dragon’s Japanese dub) voices the young adult Tsubasa, while Amane Okayama (Blue Giant, live-action I's) portrays the young adult Gyōtarō. Child actors Yūto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, discovered through auditions, voice Tsubasa and Gyōtarō in their younger years, ensuring an authentic portrayal of their evolving friendship. The ensemble also includes Sakurazaka46 member Ten Yamasaki as Konatsu, comedian Kemuri Matsui as Batahara, Gaku Sano as Tsubasa's friend Seiya Toda, Reika Ōzeki as young Seiya, Arisa Sasaki as Elmo Matsushita, and Edo Harumi as a calligraphy teacher, each contributing to the rich character tapestry.
International Festival Success and Major Awards
We Are Aliens has enjoyed a remarkable run on the global festival circuit. It first screened at the Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival in May, followed by a competitive screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June. Further screenings included the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The film earned the Grand Prize for Animated Feature at the Ottawa International Animation Festival last month and the Anima't Award for best feature-length film at the 59th Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya at Sitges in Spain earlier this month. These significant accolades underscore its universal appeal and critical recognition.
Visionary Creative Team
Kōhei Kadowaki, known for the BEASTARS season two ending sequence and YOASOBI music videos, showcased his diverse talents by serving as the film's planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor. Yaffle, who has produced music for artists like Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu, composed the film's score, adding a distinctive auditory layer. NOTHING NEW planned and produced the film, with French studio Miyu Productions (Ghost Cat Anzu) collaborating on the production (joining in June 2025, which might be a future date typo in the source). Artist adieu performs the film's theme song, "Sasakure" (Split), which beautifully encapsulates the film's emotional depth. This talented team is responsible for the film's unique artistic vision and widespread success.
