Author: Newsroom
NEW YORK, NY (September 19, 2024) – GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the globe, will release GHOST CAT ANZU, in theaters nationwide starting November 15th. The film is the first collaboration between animation artist Yoko Kuno (BEASTARS) and live action director Nobuhiro Yamashita (Linda Linda Linda). GHOST CAT ANZU held its world premiere as an Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival, and went on to play as an Official Selection at Annecy Film Festival, and Fantasia Film Festival, where it was also selected as the Audience Award winner.
Spearheaded by Shin-Ei Animation and Miyu Productions, and adapted from the original manga by Takashi Imashiro, the offbeat comedy follows the strange relationship between plucky 11-year old Karin, who is sent to live with her grandfather in the Japanese countryside, and Anzu, the capricious phantom cat who becomes her unlikely guardian.
The French-Japanese co-production between Miyu Productions and Shin-Ei Animation utilized a new and daring production style, having first created the film as a live action animation model, and then animating the film separately, all while utilizing the live voice performances of the cast from the live action filming.
Synopsis
Precocious tween Karin finds herself abandoned by her father in rural Japan. Living in a temple with her grandfather, she meets Anzu, a giant “ghost cat” and notorious layabout tasked with looking after her. Distrustful of her new guardian, Karin sabotages Anzu’s odd jobs for the townsfolk and befriends the eccentric local forest spirits. In an effort to win Karin over, Anzu accidentally makes a deal with the devil, and all Hell breaks loose.
Ghost Cat Anzu is co-directed by renowned artist Yoko Kuno, who makes her feature directorial debut, and Nobuhiro Yamashita, the acclaimed director of Linda Linda Linda. Co-produced by Shin-Ei Animation and Miyu Productions with music by legendary musician Keiichi Suzuki (EarthBound), Ghost Cat Anzu is a wildly funny ride in the countryside.