Success of 'Another World' in Hong Kong
Digital Hollywood University, renowned for being Japan's first private graduate school specializing in professional education, has achieved a remarkable milestone with its animated feature film "Another World (世外)." This film, based on the novel "千年鬼" (Thousand-Year Demon) by Naka Saijo, launched internationally from Hong Kong, debuted at the number one spot in the box office during its opening week, underlining the success of the "Japan IP Global Challenge Project" initiated by the university.
The film is a collaboration between various international creators, including producer Polly Yeung and director Tommy Kai Chung Ng, along with the animation studio POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED in Hong Kong. With the project announced to culminate in 2025, it has already garnered accolades, receiving the Grand Prize at the International Project Contest accompanying the Hong Kong Filmart in prior years.
In particular, "Another World" will be featured at prestigious events like the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in the "Out of Competition / Midnight Specials" section, and the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia 2025 in the "New Visions" category. Subsequently, the film is set to expand its international reach with screenings planned worldwide following its Hong Kong premiere.
About the Film
"Another World (世外)" is not just any animated film; it's a visual interpretation of a story set in a fantastical realm existing between life and the afterlife. It explores the journey of souls before reincarnation, centering on the character Gudo, a spirit guiding a girl named Yuri. Throughout this surreal landscape, Gudo discovers the complexity of human emotions that are often beyond his understanding. Tasked by a celestial being, Mira, Gudo embarks on a perilous mission to shield Yuri from her monstrous transformation stemming from her rage.
The narrative deftly intertwines elements of Japanese fantasy literature with advanced animation technology from Hong Kong, creating a culturally rich and appealing cinematic experience for global audiences.
Film Details:
- - Title: Another World (世外)
- - Original Work: Thousand-Year Demon (千年鬼) by Naka Saijo (徳間文庫)
- - Genre: Fantasy
- - Runtime: 110 minutes 41 seconds
- - Production Country: Hong Kong (香港)
- - Production Company: POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED
- - Completion Year: 2025
- - Director: Tommy Kai Chung Ng (トミー・カイ・チュン・ン)
- - Producer: Polly Yeung (ポリー・ユン)
The Nippon IP Global Challenge Project
Launched in 2016, the Nippon IP Global Challenge Project aims to uncover high-potential Japanese content and transform it into entertainment for international markets. Students from Digital Hollywood University participate actively in this endeavor, collaborating with publishers, including Tokuma Shoten, to adapt existing literary works into visual mediums.
The involved students engage in summarization and translation of selected novels, promoting these adaptations at essential industry events like the Hong Kong Filmart and TIFFCOM, showcasing their projects to film companies around the world. This initiative allowed "Thousand-Year Demon" to catch the attention of independent producer Polly Yeung, leading to the birth of the "Another World" animated project.
Director/Producer Profiles
Tommy Kai Chung NG
Educated at the Creative Media School of City University Hong Kong, Tommy Kai Chung Ng has directed several acclaimed short animation films and commercial projects for well-known brands, establishing himself in the industry. He is the founder of POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED, which boasts a solid client list, including NEC and Discovery Channel.
Polly Yeung
Graduating with a master's in European Film Studies from the University of Bath, Polly Yeung's career spans various visual storytelling forms, from feature films to animations, producing award-winning projects. Her commitment to animation led her to POINT FIVE CREATIONS, where she successfully produced the short animation of "Another World."
About Digital Hollywood University
Established in 2004 as Japan's first private graduate school focused on professional education, Digital Hollywood University emphasizes the integration of Science, Engineering, Art, and Design (SEAD) to foster transformative leadership in a digitally-driven society. The university also significantly invests in supporting entrepreneurial activities among its students, offering robust resources for startup initiatives.
For further details or to explore enrolling in a program, visit
Digital Hollywood University Graduate School.