It has been revealed that "ChaO" (directed by Aoki Yasuhiro, scheduled for release on August 15th), the new animated film from STUDIO4℃, known for anime films such as "Tekkonkinkreet" and "Children of the Sea," has been selected as the runner-up for the Jury Prize in the feature film competition category at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, held in Annecy, France.
The Annecy International Animated Film Festival was established in 1960 when the animation section of the Cannes Film Festival became independent. It is the longest-running animated film festival in the world. In the past, the Jury Prize has been awarded to masterpieces such as "Miss Hokusai" (directed by Hara Keiichi) and "In This Corner of the World" (directed by Katabuchi Sunao). This is the first time in about eight years that a Japanese work has won an award in the feature film competition section.
Director Aoki expressed his joy, saying, "I can't believe I'm standing here like this. The film is a comedy, so there are lots of gags, but we forbade any dialogue-based gags. I think that's why people overseas have been able to widely understand humour." He continued, "(pointing at the Chao stuffed animal) This is Chao. I hope that this balloon-like body will send it flying around the world. Thank you!"
The film is a story of love and miracles that transcends race and culture. In a future society where humans and mermaids coexist, Stefan, an office worker at a shipbuilding company, is suddenly proposed to by Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom. Stefan begins living with Chao without knowing why. Stephan is gradually drawn to Chao, who shows his pure and straightforward love.
