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Japan Shorts 3

Sat, 18. 3., 21:30Sun, 19. 3., 13:30

‘Animation is magic in many senses. It invites audiences to dive into other people’s imaginations and hearts. Sometimes it is observable and sometimes it forces us to directly feel the emotions or ideas of the director. Here is a collection of such animated works, which have come through their directors’ hands and minds. We can see how much animation is an extension of their thoughts.’

(Maya Yonesho)

Hibi / Everyday Life

Hibi / Everyday Life

Tsujimura Maya
JP
2011,
02'10

I sometimes see he is on the brink of falling. But he will happen to meet a tiny love. 

Heaven

Heaven

Shiroi Aya
JP
1996,
03'49

Angels in the clouds help people who are looking for someone to love. One day an angel misses his target.

Nini

Nini

Nanjo Saho
JP
2013,
05'16

The first year I began living by myself. Sunlight, squalls, family love from afar, déjà vu and the business of life. 

Believe in it

Believe in it

Yonesho Maya
JP
1998,
04'00

Your dream will come true if you believe in it. 

Commercials / Werbefilme

Commercials / Werbefilme

MAGARI Fumiko
JP
1978,
08'56

1978 - 2003

Fumiko Magari is one of the most recognized stop motion and puppet animators in Japan. She is both a legend and a pioneer within this field.

When I was young…

When I was young…

Onishi Kaori
JP/UK
2011,
05'35

A girl wants to be a whale.

Gaki Biwa-houshi

Gaki Biwa-houshi

Yokosuka Reiko
JP
2005,
06'00

In feudal Japan, ‘biwa hōshi’ (lute masters) were travelling performers who earned their living by performing vocal literature to the accompaniment of biwa music.

I Can’t Breathe

I Can’t Breathe

Kihata Sayaka
JP
2015,
06'10

A young boy accidentally drowns his friend during a school swimming class. This sand animation uses the motif of water to interweave reality and an imaginary landscape, expressing the emotional changes and the uncertainty of the protagonist. 

Shikato

Shikato

Uruma Delvi
JP
1993,
04'07

Shikato can only walk in a straight line. This TV series has been marching ahead for twenty years and continues to maintain a large fan base in Japan.

What they believe

What they believe

Hara Shoko
DE
2016,
10'20

Good news about a device that will turn life into a better one. – Three treasure hunters follow the cross. A father and a son share the secrets of everlasting joy. A child can only find serenity within his model railway. 

Üks Uks

Üks Uks

Yonesho Maya
JP/EE
2003,
07'00

Doors in our life. Each has a melody, like a music box. They have stories, like a book. They will be opened one by one.

Ryukyu Okoku – Made in Okinawa

Ryukyu Okoku – Made in Okinawa

Kinoshita Sayoko & Renzo
JP
2004,
17'43

An animation documentary describing the history and spirit of Okinawa (ex-Ryukyu Kingdom), the most southern island of Japan today.

The history passes by a Ryukyu man laying down on the beach. In the ancient days, the time flows very slowly, and people lived in peace and calm, worshiping the nature God, the beautiful Big Dipper, the Sun and the Sea.

Then, gradually, because of its being a place of strategic importance, Okinawa undergoes serious changes, visited, invaded and reigned by various countries one after another:  the trade with Min (the old China), the invasion by Satsuma Clan (of old Japan, 1609) , sending missions to the old Tokyo (1710), the landing of American Admiral Perry (1853), the abolition of Ryukyu Clan and became Okinawa Prefecture (1879), the Prince of Japan visiting Okinawa (1921), and then the tragedy of the Second World War... occupation by USA...   And today, the Ryukyu man is still laying down on the beach.

Tricky Women - International Animation Filmfestival Vienna