#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Hollywood #Animation Festival #Another World

Digital Hollywood University Marks Milestone with 'Another World'

Digital Hollywood University Graduate School (DHGS) has reached a significant milestone with the official selection of its animated film 'Another World' (世外) for the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025. This prestigious event, known for showcasing exceptional animated works from around the globe, will feature the film in the 'Out of Competition/Midnight Specials' category. This achievement reflects the innovative spirit of the university's 'Japan IP Global Challenge Project,' proposed by Professor Takeshi Yoshimura of the university.

About the Film

Based on the novel 'Millennium Demon' (千年鬼) by Naka Saijo, 'Another World' is a feature-length animation that merges Japanese fantasy literature with the exceptional animation capabilities of the Hong Kong studio POINT FIVE CREATIONS LIMITED. The production is being supervised by director Tommy Kai Chung NG and produced by Polly Yeung, with plans to release the film internationally following its debut at Annecy in June 2025.

Adhering to a unique narrative, the story unfolds in a fantastical realm known as 'Another World,' where souls traverse before their reincarnation. The protagonist, Gud, is a spirit tasked with guiding the deceased, specifically focusing on a girl named Yuli, who embodies emotions that challenge his understanding. The narrative vein blends traditional Japanese elements with modern animation, aiming at an international audience.

The Genesis of the Project

The 'Japan IP Global Challenge Project' was launched in 2016 to tap into Japan's rich content and transform it into global entertainment. With support from major publisher Tokuma Shoten, the project focuses on discovering high-potential content, facilitating the introduction of these works to international markets through adaptation. The program engaged students from Digital Hollywood, aiding in translations and summaries, and presenting these projects at international film markets like the Hong Kong FilMart and TIFFCOM. This collaborative effort culminated in the adaptation of 'Millennium Demon' into the animated film 'Another World.'

Key Contributors

• - Director: Tommy Kai Chung NG

A graduate of the City University of Hong Kong's Creative Media School, Tommy has directed award-winning animated films and worked extensively in commercial projects for renowned brands. He founded POINT FIVE CREATIONS and has amassed recognition for diverse projects, including acclaimed works in both animation and live-action cinema.

• - Producer: Polly Yeung

With a master's degree in European Film Studies from the University of Bath, Polly has built a career across genres, from live-action to documentaries. Joining POINT FIVE CREATIONS in 2019, she has gained acclaim for her role in both creative and production aspects of animated films, receiving international awards.

• - Executive Producer: Takeshi Yoshimura

Currently serving as a professor at Digital Hollywood University, Yoshimura has a long history of significant contributions to the film industry, including successful Japanese adaptations and fostering international collaboration in cinematic projects.

Annecy International Animation Festival

Founded in 1960, the Annecy International Animation Festival is the world's leading event dedicated to animated films. It occurs every June in Annecy, France, showcasing a wide range of categories, from feature-length films to short animations and student projects. The selection of 'Another World' not only highlights the university's educational prowess but also illustrates the potential for cross-cultural storytelling in the arts.

Conclusion

As 'Another World' prepares for its official showing at the Annecy International Animation Festival in June 2025, the collaboration of Digital Hollywood University with international entities underscores the potential of Japanese storytelling on a global platform. This project symbolizes a step forward in uniting diverse cultural narratives through advanced animation, marking the start of an exciting journey for the creators behind this inspiring film.