‘On-Gaku: Our Sound’ Director Kenji Iwaisawa Returns to Annecy With Work-in-Progress ‘Hyakuemu’: First Look Artwork (EXCLUSIVE)
11.06.2024 - 08:45
/ variety.com
Jamie Lang Japanese director Kenji Iwaisawa‘s debut feature “On-Gaku: Our Sound” was a hit at the 2020 Annecy Animation Festival, where it played in the festival’s Contrechamp competition and won best original music. This year, the filmmaker returns to Annecy to present his next film, “Hyakuemu.”, in a dedicated Annecy Work in Progress session. Based on the original manga “Chi: Chikyū no Undō ni Tsuite” by Uoto, the film tells the story of Togashi, a child born to run.
The boy wins every 100-meter race with little effort. In sixth grade, a transfer student named Komiya arrives with loads of motivation but little technical skill. Togashi begins training with his new classmate, who gives him a new purpose: to win at all costs.
Years later, the two meet as rivals on a racetrack. “Hyakuemu.” is produced by Pony Canyon, Asmik Ace and the Tokyo Broadcasting System. Iwaisawa’s Rock’ N Roll Mountain is animating the feature, which is well into production and scheduled for a theatrical release in 2025.
This year’s Annecy WIP panel will be attended by Iwaisawa along with the film’s art director Keikankun Yamaguchi, animation director and character designer Keisuke Kojima, and Asmik Ace producer Akane Taketsugu. “Hyakuemu” will be Iwaisawa’s second feature. His third, “Hina is Beautiful,” is already in the works and was a hot title at the Marché du Film’s Annecy Animation Showcase in 2023 and is scheduled to wrap in 2026.
Ahead of this week’s Work in Progress presentation, Iwaisawa spoke with Variety about his new project, working with different aesthetics, and delegating responsibilities. He also shared some exclusive first-look artwork from the film. How important is it for Japanese productions to participate in events like
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