Rintaro Returns: Behind the Scenes of Busan's Japanese Animation Special [2024] (2026)

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is bringing a special treat for anime enthusiasts with its Japanese Animation Special program. This year's lineup is a celebration of Japan's rich animation history, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary works that have rarely been seen in Korean theaters. The festival marks a significant return for animation master Rintaro, who hasn't visited Korea in 17 years, alongside four up-and-coming directors. The program is a testament to the enduring impact of Japanese animation on both the industry and its fans.

A Century of Animation

The festival's Special Program in Focus showcases Japan's animation journey over a century, blending iconic classics with fresh releases. The lineup includes works that have influenced generations of animators, with some films making their Korean premieres. Here's a closer look at some of the featured films:

• The White Snake Enchantress (1958): An adaptation of a Chinese folk tale, this film is a landmark in Japanese animation, being the first full-color animated feature. It left a profound impact on the young Miyazaki Hayao, who admired its storytelling so much that he wrote about it in his book, "Starting Point 1979-1996."

• Belladonna of Sadness (1973): An experimental adult animated film, it's a dark and surreal adaptation of Jules Michelet's "La Sorcière." The film's unique visual style, with its watercolor paintings, and its controversial themes, have made it a cult classic.

• Phoenix 2772 (Space Firebird) (1980): This film draws inspiration from Tezuka Osamu's manga "Phoenix." Its iconic 12-minute opening sequence, devoid of spoken dialogue, has become a topic of discussion among animation enthusiasts.

• Angel's Egg (1985): Oshii Mamoru's film, with its biblical symbolism and minimal dialogue, set the stage for his later works like "Ghost in the Shell." The collaboration with illustrator Yoshitaka Amano added to its visual allure.

• Memories (1995): A 30-year-old film that returns to Busan for its 30th anniversary remaster. It's an omnibus of three episodes, showcasing the evolution of Japanese animation.

• Metropolis (2001): Rintaro's adaptation of Tezuka Osamu's manga, with a massive budget and a five-year production, is a testament to the ambition of Japanese animation.

• Mind Game (2004): Yuasa Masaaki's directorial debut, which won several awards, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival.

• Kakurenbo (2004): Morita Shuhei's short film, blending 3D CG with traditional cel animation, gained a cult following.

• Ghost - End of Night (2027): A new release from director Natsume Shingo, produced by Madhouse Inc., set to premiere at BIFF before its theatrical release.

• Shiranui (2027): A 36-minute short by Katanosaka Ryo, produced by CoMix Wave Films, with a unique hand-drawn approach.

• We Are Aliens (2024): Kadowaki Kohei's rotoscoped feature, with a realistic aesthetic, screened at Cannes and Annecy Film Festivals.

• A New Dawn (2024): Shinomiya Yoshitoshi's debut feature, which made history as the first Japanese animated film to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival.

• The King and the Mockingbird (1952, 1980): Paul Grimault's film, with its complex history and influence on Studio Ghibli, is a highlight of the program.

A Celebration of Japanese Animation

The BIFF program is a testament to the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic forms. By focusing on Japanese animation, it highlights a tradition that has significantly contributed to global cinema. The inclusion of both classic and contemporary works provides a comprehensive view of the medium's evolution.

The festival's director, Jung Hanseok, emphasizes the importance of experiencing these films on the big screen, especially for works that have rarely been seen in Korean theaters. The program's deliberate exclusion of Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao, in favor of films that influenced their own work, adds a layer of personal significance to the selection.

As the festival unfolds, it promises to be a celebration of Japanese animation, offering a unique opportunity for audiences in Busan to immerse themselves in a century of cinematic magic.