Programme Cardiff 2022

Sat 1st Oct

Sun 2nd Oct

A rock opera about a 14th-century superstar whose dance moves take Japan by storm. Born to an esteemed family, Inu-oh is afflicted with an ancient curse that has left him on the margins of society. When he meets the blind musician Tomona, a young biwa priest haunted by his past, Inu-oh discovers a captivating ability to dance. The pair quickly become business partners and inseparable friends as crowds flock to their electric, larger-than-life concerts. But when those in power threaten to break up the band, Inu-oh and Tomona must dance and sing to uncover the truth behind their creative gifts. A bombastic vision from visionary director Masaaki Yuasa, hailed as “one of the most creatively unbridled minds in all of modern animation”.
Japan | 2021 | 98’ | 15 | Masaaki Yuasa | Japanese with English subtitles | F-Rated | Trailer

Living in a World Without Magic

In this music video by philo we find a story that connects the present with a world that certainly existed, a world with witches and magic. This is her university graduation work, created to show on YouTube as the first creation of creator team Euluca Lab. Includes trailer and full animation.
Japan | 2022 | 7’ | advPG | Akiwashi | F-Rated

Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko

Brash single mother Nikuko is well-known for her bold spirit, much to the embarrassment of Kikuko, her pensive yet imaginative daughter. In contrast to her mother, Kikuko wants nothing more than to fit in as she navigates the everyday social dramas of middle school. Life in the harbour is peaceful until a shocking revelation from the past threatens to uproot the pair’s tender relationship.
Japan | 2021 | 97’ | PG | Ayumu Watanabe | Japanese with English subtitles | F-Rated | Trailer

Pompo is a talented and gutsy producer in Nyallywood, the movie-making capital of the world. One day she tells her apprehensive assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about a tormented artistic genius, starring the legendary brooding actor Martin Braddock, and a young actress seeking her first break. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?

Japan | 2021 | 94’ | 12A | Takayuki Hirao | Japanese with English subtitles | Trailer

Namekian Piccolo is hanging out on Earth helping Gohan train his daughter Pan in the fine art of power ups and warcraft, but the school is interrupted by the arrival of an android warriors Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 sent by the Red Ribbon Army. Taking a new approach to Dragon Ball, this is a digitally animated update with fresh villains and a focus on the Goku’s legacy.

Japan | 2022 | 100’ | 12A | Tetsuro Kodama | Japanese with English subtitles | Trailer

Teen misfits Roma, Toto, and Drop call themselves the “Don Glees,” an informal name for their backyard adventures. One day, when the trio gets blamed for a nearby forest fire, they set off into the woods to prove their innocence. As disaster strikes their expedition, tensions flare between the friends as they realise that growing up has taken them on wildly different paths in life.
Director Atsuko Ishizuka follows up her critically acclaimed series A Place Further Than the Universe
with her first original feature film. With luminescent animation and lush backdrops, Goodbye, Don Glees! is a tender coming-of-age story about the fearlessness of being young and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery.

Japan | 2022 | 95’ | 12A TBC | Atsuko Ishizuka | Japanese with English subtitles | F-Rated | Trailer

Mio has long had feelings for her childhood friend Shin, but has never acted on them. One day, after a silly fight she goes to make peace and is involved in a traffic accident. When she awakes she is in a mysterious and unfamiliar world.

Japan | 2020 | 95’ | PG | Yoshinobu Sena | Japanese with English subtitles | Trailer