During a
launch event held last Friday, it was confirmed that the anime film ChaO,
directed by Yasuhiro Aoki and produced by Studio 4°C,
will be screened in 16 countries and regions around the world.
Although the full list of territories has not yet been revealed, it is already
confirmed that it will be screened at the Sitges International
Fantastic Film Festival, which will take place from October 9 to 19
A
romantic comedy with an unexpected twist
The
distributor GKIDS describes ChaO as a futuristic
romantic comedy where humans and mermaids coexist in the same world.
The story follows Stephan, a quiet employee of a shipping company,
whose life changes radically when Chao, a princess of the mermaid
kingdom, proposes to him without warning. From that moment on, Stephan must
learn to live with the energetic and sincere Chao, starting an unexpected and
endearing romance.
Stellar
voice cast
The film
features a featured cast, including:
- Ōji
Suzuka as Stephan
- Anna
Yamada as Chao
- Yūichirō
Umehara as Roberta
- Ryōta Yamasato (Nankai Candies) as
President Shi
- Kavka
Shishido as Maibei
- Cookie! (Yasei
Bakudan) as Ambassador Omede
- Kenta
Miyake as King Neptunus
- Shunsei
Ōta (Octpath) as Juno
- Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief
A
top-notch creative team
Aoki, recognized for Kimagure
Robot and Tweeny Witches, directs the production
under Studio 4°C. Character design and animation direction are in
charge of Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland),
while Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Garden of
Words) serves as art director. The soundtrack was composed by Takatsugu
Muramatsu (Mary and the Witch's Flower). Toei will
be in charge of its distribution.
Singer Kumi
Kōda performs the theme song "ChaO!", composed especially
for the film.
A tour
of international festivals
ChaO debuted at the Annecy
International Animation Festival, held in France from June 8 to 14,
where it won the Jury Prize. It then opened the JAPAN CUTS:
Festival of New Japanese Film in New York on July 10, and
was presented at the Fantasia International Film Festival in
Montreal from July 16 to August 3.
The film
will also compete at the Ottawa International Animation Festival,
which will be held from September 24 to 28, where it aspires to win
the Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature Film.
An
expanding world premiere
With its
screening in 16 territories, ChaO is shaping up to
be one of Studio 4°C's most striking productions in recent years,
combining romance, comedy and fantasy with a distinctive
visual display of the studio.
