Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival; 4 - 6 October and 19 – 20 October

Maddie Baker, History and Japanese student at the University of Exeter, gives as a whistle-stop tour into the Kotatsu Festival. The festival is nearing its 10-year anniversary and, this year, has selected 8 of the most entertaining, action-packed and thought-provoking animation films to screen to audiences. Alongside the films, on-lookers can enjoy the Japanese marketplace – selling models, manga and more.

The first showing in Cardiff will be Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection, the latest instalment of the dramatic Code Geass saga, which will showcase giant robots alongside political intrigue; followed by a fun Anime Song Disco for guests.

Next on show will be Birthday Wonderland – a family film combining adventure with fantasy through the story of shy girl Akane. Once the film has ended, Kotatsu will introduce 2 special guests – director Takeshi Yashiro and producer Satoshi Akutsu, who recently released Gon, The Little Fox. Accompanied by Robin Lyons, they will present a Masterclass on animation to audiences.

As a tribute to the Kyoto Animation studio, following their tragedy in July this year, Kotatsu will screen Tamako Love Story – a heart-warming film featuring endearing characters. The evening showing will then see Fate / Stay Night – Heaven’s Feel Film 1 and Calamity of a Zombie Girl hit the screens, as audiences are treated to the most terrifying films yet.

The final day at Cardiff will open the door for the adventure film Penguin Highway and an inspiring stop-motion animation workshop, led by Yashiro, introducing participants to his tried-and-tested techniques. Once a screening of Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution has ended, this section of the festival will conclude with another Kyoto Animation studio film – A Silent Voice; a fittingly heartfelt and hopeful film that both reminds audiences about tragedies and how they can be overcome.

A selection of these films will also play at the second half of the festival in Aberystwyth.

 

Kotatsu Festival

4 – 6 October : Chapter, Cardiff

Box Office: +44 (0)29 2030 4400     Email: enquiry@chapter.org

 

19 – 20 October: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth

Box Office: 01970 62 32 32     Email: artstaff@aber.ac.uk

 

Press Release, PDF