The upcoming anime film ChaO, produced by renowned animation studio Studio 4°C, will be screened on opening night of the JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film in New York. The screening is scheduled for July 10, ahead of the film’s official release in Japan on August 15.
GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for the film. ChaO made its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, which runs from June 8 to June 14. The film will also be shown at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, taking place from July 16 to August 3.
Described as a romantic comedy and a “fish out of water” story, ChaO takes place in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist. The story follows Stefan, a quiet office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose life changes dramatically when Chao, a mermaid princess, suddenly proposes to him. Thrown into a whirlwind of confusion, Stefan ends up living with the energetic and heartfelt Chao. As she brings warmth and chaos into his life, a surprising and emotional romance begins to develop.
The film stars Ōji Suzuka (Kimi ni Todoke, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes) as Stefan, and Anna Yamada (Golden Kamuy, Saki) as Chao.
ChaO is directed by Yasuhiro Aoki (Kimagure Robot, Tweeny Witches) at Studio 4°C. Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show) serves as character designer and chief animation director. The art direction is led by Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Garden of Words), and the music is composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch’s Flower, Phoenix: Eden17). The film is distributed in Japan by Toei.
JAPAN CUTS will run from July 10 to 20. In addition to ChaO, the festival will host award-winning actress Yūmi Kawai for Q&A panels on July 12 and 13, featuring She Taught Me Serendipity and A Girl Named Ann. Other highlights include the North American theatrical premiere of the Gridman Universe anime film and the world premiere of the live-action adaptation of Jun Mayuzuki’s Kowloon Generic Romance manga.
Related topics:
- Live-Action ‘Legend of Zelda’ Film Delayed to May 2027
- TO BE HERO X Releases New Music Video Featuring Lucky Cyan
- ‘Sonny Boy’ Director Shingo Natsume Announces Original Anime Film ‘Ghost’ for 2027