Yasuhiro Aoki’s highly anticipated anime feature film, ChaO, produced by the acclaimed Studio 4°C, is set to compete for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation at the upcoming Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF). The film, which recently garnered the prestigious Jury Prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, marks a significant entry in this year’s competitive lineup at one of North America’s premier animation events.
A Vision from Studio 4°C
Studio 4°C, renowned for its distinctive and often experimental animation, brings ChaO to the global stage after years of dedicated work. The studio, founded by producer Eiko Tanaka and director/animator Koji Morimoto, derives its name from the temperature at which water reaches its maximum density, symbolising their commitment to depth and substance in their creations. Producer Eiko Tanaka revealed that ChaO has been in secret production for seven years and features over 100,000 hand-drawn animation frames, a testament to its artisanal quality.
Creative Talent Behind the Film
Directed by veteran animator Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his work on Batman: Gotham Knight and Tweeny Witches, ChaO showcases a talented team. Hirokazu Kojima, credited for Deadman Wonderland, serves as both character designer and chief animation director, ensuring a cohesive visual style. The film’s musical score is composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, who has contributed to works such as Mary and The Witch’s Flower, while Hiroshi Takiguchi (The Garden of Words) is the art director. The lead voice cast features Ōji Suzuka as Stephan and Anna Yamada as the titular mermaid princess, ChaO.
The Narrative of ChaO
ChaO is described as a wild romantic comedy and a quintessential “fish out of water” narrative. Set in a near-future world where humans and merfolk coexist, the story follows Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company in Shanghai. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a sudden marriage proposal from ChaO, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. The plot delves into their unlikely romance as Stephan develops an “Air Jet” propeller, harmless to marine life, aiming to bridge the gap between their two worlds. As ChaO’s sincere and pure love gradually breaks down Stephan’s emotional barriers, their relationship struggles with cultural differences, leading to a touching and unexpected love story.
Festival Acclaim and Release
ChaO made its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it was awarded the Jury Prize, signaling its artistic merit and innovation. This recognition positions the film as a strong contender at the OIAF. In Japan, ChaO is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 15, 2025, distributed by Toei Company. For North American audiences, GKIDS has acquired the distribution rights.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is a globally recognised event, considered the largest competitive animated film festival in North America. Held annually, the five-day festival transforms various venues across Ottawa into a vibrant hub for animation, attracting artists, producers, students, and fans from around the world. The 2025 edition of OIAF is scheduled from September 24 to September 28. ChaO is one of five feature films selected for the prestigious Official Competition, vying for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation. The festival provides a significant platform for showcasing diverse storytelling and artistic innovation in animation, with over 2,000 submissions typically considered for around 100 competition spots. Being on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ qualifying festivals list, the OIAF Grand Prize winner can bypass the usual qualification process for the Oscars.
