Mamoru Hosoda

Championing the Best in Animated Film Headline News

‘Little Amélie Or The Character Of Rain’ Takes Animation is Film Grand Prize

Running October 17-19 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, the festival’s 8^th annual edition continued its mission to champion animation as a cinematic art form, curating critically acclaimed international features and shorts that carry both recognition and impact.

In 2D, 3D, Awards, CG, Digital Media, Event, Festival, Films, People, Short Films | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Special Events: Animation is Film | Geographic Region: All, North America

Heading to Hollywood Headline News

Animation Is Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup

Event to open with ‘Scarlet’ by Mamoru Hosoda, close with ‘Little Amélie Or The Character Of Rain’ By Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han; runs October 17-19 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood.

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It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

HBO Max, GKIDS Expand Film Licensing Partnership

Deal adds 20 new adult animated and live-action titles, including ‘Your Name,’ ‘Shin Godzilla,’ ‘Perfect Blue,’ ‘The Colors Within,’ and ‘Summer Wars,’ many to stream for the first time in North America; select titles will debut in 4K.

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Why No Sequels in Anime? ANIMATIONWorld

‘Elio,’ Anime and Original Animated Films

Amid alarm over the latest Pixar film’s weak box-office opening this week, and fears about films with ‘original’ stories vs. sequels, Andrew Osmond looks at how IPs co-exist with originality in anime movies.

In 2D, 3D, Anime, CG, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Do You Know Your Anime? | Geographic Region: All

Not All Singers are Pop Stars ANIMATIONWorld

‘Sing a Bit of Harmony’ and the Anime Musical

Columnist Andrew Osmond enthuses about the musical comedy, now on Crunchyroll, and how not all anime musicals feature pop idols.

In 2D, Acting, Anime, CG, Digital Media, Films, Music and Sound, Music Videos, Voice Acting | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Do You Know Your Anime? | Geographic Region: All

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Sony Pictures Announces Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Scarlet’ Release

The new animated film from the Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ and ‘Belle’ director, which follows a princess who can transcend time and space, hits theaters globally outside Japan on December 12.

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There is Anime Life After 18 ANIMATIONWorld

The Young Ones or Why Can’t Anime Heroes Grow Up?

Andrew Osmond wonders why so many anime characters are teenagers or younger, and whether that’s holding back the medium.

In 2D, 3D, Anime, Comics/Manga/Webcomics, Digital Media, Films, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Do You Know Your Anime? | Geographic Region: All

A Pervasive Sense of Cool! ANIMATIONWorld

Before ‘Lazarus’: Swordplay and Hip-Hop in ‘Samurai Champloo’

With ‘Cowboy Bebop’ director Shinichiro Watanabe’s newest anime launching this Sunday, AWN columnist Andrew Osmond reviews a classic series the legendary filmmaker made in 2004… set in samurai Japan and boasting a strikingly different soundtrack.

In 2D, Anime, CG, Digital Media, Films, Music and Sound, People, Television, Writing | ANIMATIONWorld | Columns: Do You Know Your Anime? | Geographic Region: All

Digging Where the Ground is Hard VFXWorld

Megalis VFX: Bringing Western Tech Innovation to Japanese Productions

How two former ILM and Square Enix artists, Jeffery Dillinger and Christophe Rodo, navigated cultural and technological challenges, while enlisting new creative tools, to build a successful, cutting-edge, independent visual effects studio in Japan.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television, Visual Effects | VFXWorld | Geographic Region: Asia

It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

GKIDS and Shout! Studios to Release Mamoru Hosoda Film Catalog in 4K

The set of films from the award-winning director kicks off with ‘Summer Wars’ and ‘Wolf Children,’ coming in 4K UHD SteelBook, standard Blu-ray, and on digital download-to-own platforms on April 1 and August 5.

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It’s Anime-zing! Headline News

Toho Acquires GKIDS

The Japanese entertainment company purchases 100% equity in the Oscar-winning U.S.-based animation and anime distribution company; founders Eric Beckman and Dave Jesteadt to remain at the helm.

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GKIDS Acquires Distribution Rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s Films

The distributor gains North American rights for the Oscar-nominated director’s entire catalog including ‘Belle,’ ‘Mirai,’ ‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,’ and ‘Wolf Children;’ new theatrical and home entertainment releases will highlight Hosoda’s unique artistry.

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Home Entertainment Headline News

‘Belle Collector’s Edition’ Coming August 30

From GKIDS and Shout! Factory, Mamoru Hosada’s Annie-nominated animated movie’s special edition features the original Japanese version and English dub, plus new dialogues with the cast and interviews with Takeru Satoh and Eric Wong; bonus content from previously released Blu-ray also included.

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Home Entertainment Headline News

Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’ Now Available on Digital and Blu-Ray

From GKIDS and Shout! Factory, the Annie-nominated animated feature tells the heartfelt story of a shy high school student growing up in the age of Social Media; watch the ‘Making of Belle: The Costumes of Belle and ‘Belle: Official Opening Scene.’

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A Bold Take on Romance Anime ANIMATIONWorld

‘Josee, the Tiger and the Fish’: Embracing People with Disabilities in Anime

Kotaro Tamura’s brave, emotional animated love story features one of the first lead characters in a romance anime to use a wheelchair.

In 2D, 3D, Anime, CG, Digital Media, Diversity and Inclusion, Films, Home Entertainment, People | ANIMATIONWorld | Geographic Region: All

Becoming Your Truest Version ANIMATIONWorld

Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’: Learning to Become Your Truest Self

The Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ director discusses his new film, about a shy young high school girl who comes of age as she takes a fantastical journey through the virtual world of ‘U,’ releasing today in North American theaters.

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It’s Always the Shy Ones to Look Out For Headline News

‘Belle’: GKIDS Releases Dazzling Opening Scene and More New Footage

Mamoru Hosoda’s highly anticipated new animated feature introduces its unique universe with a sweeping musical number that instantly immerses you in the digital world “U.”

In 2D, Anime, CG, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

It’s Always the Shy Ones to Look Out For Headline News

Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’ Hits Theaters January 14

Produced by Japan’s Studio Chizu, the Annie-nominated animated feature tells the heartfelt story of a shy high school student growing up in the age of Social Media; GKIDS is releasing the film in cinemas next week, with IMAX previews beginning January 12.

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Awards Headline News

‘Flee’ Takes AIF 2021 Grand Prize

Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s ‘touching and innovative’ film shares the personal history of an Afghan refugee; ‘Belle’ awarded special jury prize, with the audience award going to ‘The Crossing.’

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Fantasy and Reality Collide Headline News

Mamoru Hosada’s ‘Belle’ Coming to North American Theaters

GKIDS will release the highly acclaimed Studio Chizu animated feature on January 14^th, 2022; check out two new teaser trailers and images.

In 2D, Anime, Business, CG, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Animation Festivals Headline News

Animation Is Film Reveals Jurors and Special Events

Taking place October 22-24, the festival kicks-off with the North American premiere of Netflix’s feature, ‘The Summit of The Gods;’ virtual program will be free to view during the event – tickets are now available.

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Fantasy and Reality Collide Headline News

Studio Chizu Drops New Teaser for Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’

Highly anticipated animated musical fantasy will debut as an official selection in upcoming Cannes Premiere section July 15 before hitting Japanese theaters July 16; GKIDS to release theatrically in North America this winter, both in Japanese and English dubbed versions.

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Fantasy and Reality Collide Headline News

Studio Chizu Releases New Trailer for Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘Belle’

Animated musical fantasy from the Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ director boasts a talented Japanese and international crew that includes ‘Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’ concept artist Jin Kim as well as ‘Wolfwalkers’ co-directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart.

In 2D, Anime, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: Asia

Belle-adonna Headline News

WATCH: First Trailer for Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu’s ‘Belle’

The music-driven and reality-bending animated film from the Oscar-nominated ‘Mirai’ director boasts a talented Japanese and international crew that includes ‘Frozen’ and ‘Tangled’ concept artist Jin Kim.