#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Hollywood #Another World #Millennium Demon

‘Another World’ Premieres at Sitges Film Festival 2025

The animated feature film ‘Another World’ (Japanese: 世外), based on the novel 'Millennium Demon' (千年鬼) by Naka Saijo, has officially been selected for screening at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival 2025 in Spain. This project arose from the Japan IP Global Challenge Program, conceived by Takeshi Yoshimura, a professor at Digital Hollywood University Graduate School, the first professional graduate school founded by a corporation in Japan.

This prestigious festival, considered one of the most esteemed genre film festivals globally, is renowned for its focus on horror, fantasy, science fiction, and animation. The ‘Noves Visions’ department of the festival particularly emphasizes innovative cinematic expression and unique authorship, making it an ideal platform for groundbreaking works. The inclusion of ‘Another World’ in this category highlights the film's artistic and experimental qualities.

Produced by Polly Yeung, the film is directed by Tommy Kai Chung Ng and is the result of an international collaboration with the Hong Kong animation studio POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED. Upon its completion in Spring 2025, the film will also be featured at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in the Out of Competition / Midnight Specials section. Following its festival appearances, global distribution is planned.

About the Film

‘Another World’ is a fantasy animation that merges the essence of Naka Saijo's novel 'Millennium Demon' with cutting-edge Hong Kong animation techniques. The narrative unfolds in a fantastical realm, ‘世外’ (Another World), where souls traverse before reincarnation. The protagonist, a spirit named Gud, is tasked with guiding the soul of a girl named Yuri, ultimately uncovering the complex emotions that humans experience. Given the high demand for innovative storytelling, this film aims to carve out a distinct place in the international market.

Key Production Details:

• - Original work: 'Millennium Demon' (千年鬼) by Naka Saijo
• - Genre: Fantasy
• - Duration: 110 minutes and 41 seconds
• - Production Country: Hong Kong
• - Production Company: POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED
• - Year of Production: 2025
• - Director: Tommy Kai Chung Ng
• - Producer: Polly Yeung

Synopsis

In a whimsical pre-reincarnation journey, the soul of the deceased passes through the ‘世外’ (Seigai), an enchanting world. Gud, a spirit guide, discovers that humans harbor emotions beyond his comprehension while assisting a girl named Yuri. Tasked by the celestial being Mira to quell Yuri's burgeoning anger to prevent her transformation into a monster, Gud embarks on a treacherous mission.

About the Japan IP Global Challenge Program

Launched in 2016, the Japan IP Global Challenge Program aims to unearth untouched high-potential Japanese content and adapt it into entertainment productions for international audiences. With support from prominent publishers like Tokuma Shoten, this project has yielded remarkable results, showcasing the potential of Japanese literature on the world stage.

Under the guidance of Takeshi Yoshimura, the project has fostered collaboration among international students from Digital Hollywood University, who have summarized and translated the original works for global markets. Their sales efforts at major film markets such as Hong Kong Filmart have further enriched the program.

The success of ‘Another World’ stems from the dedication of the entire team, including significant contributions from Polly Yeung and Tommy Kai Chung Ng, who bring a wealth of creativity and experience to this ambitious undertaking.

Noteworthy Collaborators

Tommy Kai Chung Ng - Director

Graduating from the City University of Hong Kong’s Creative Media School in 2003, Ng has directed multiple award-winning short animated films, including ‘Everywhere’ and ‘Another World.’ He has been recognized for his work with notable brands such as Assassin's Creed and Nike Air Max, making a name for himself in both commercials and narrative animations.

Polly Yeung - Producer

Yeung, a University of Bath alumna, has an extensive background as a producer and screenwriter across numerous genre projects. After joining POINT FIVE CREATIONS in 2019, she achieved acclaim for her work on various animated and documentary projects, significantly contributing to the success of ‘Another World.’

Takeshi Yoshimura - Executive Producer

As a key figure in the Digital Hollywood program and a seasoned executive in the film industry, Yoshimura has played a crucial role in the development of numerous high-profile projects. His leadership has been pivotal in the revival of Japanese IP on a global scale, including the journey of ‘Another World.’

Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival

With its roots dating back to 1968, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious fantastic film festivals globally. It serves as a notable launchpad for filmmakers, having showcased early works from now-renowned directors such as Guillermo del Toro and Darren Aronofsky. The festival continues to spotlight innovative and original films in various genres, making it an essential platform for creators worldwide.

For additional insights into 'Another World' and updates on its festival circuit and release, visit the links below:

• - Original Novel 'Millennium Demon'
• - Production Company ‘Point Five Creations’
• - Sitges Official Site