Sitges, Spain – The Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, renowned globally as a leading genre film festival, has announced a significant expansion of its animated film section for its 2025 edition, slated for October 9-19. Among the highlights are the 2025 film “ChaO” by Yasuhiro Aoki and a special 4K restoration of Mamoru Oshii’s 1985 cult classic “Angel’s Egg”.
The festival, widely considered one of the world’s top three most prestigious genre film festivals, will once again transform Sitges into a hub for fantastic cinema.
Animation Takes Center Stage with Robust Anima’t Section
The Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is amplifying its commitment to animation through a substantial expansion of its “Anima’t” section. This move underscores the festival’s view of animation not as a separate genre, but as a dynamic cinematic language capable of exploring bold and imaginative storytelling within the fantastic realm. The 2025 program promises a diverse global showcase, reaffirming animation’s prominent place in fantastic cinema.
“ChaO,” directed by Yasuhiro Aoki and slated for 2025, is among the new titles enriching the Anima’t lineup. This addition highlights the festival’s dedication to presenting contemporary and innovative animated works.
Classic Masterpiece Returns: ‘Angel’s Egg’ in 4K
A significant highlight for classic animation enthusiasts is the inclusion of Mamoru Oshii’s “Angel’s Egg” (1985), presented as a 4K restoration. This critically acclaimed experimental post-apocalyptic science fantasy OVA film is known for its ambiguous imagery, biblical allusions, and minimal dialogue. “Angel’s Egg” has garnered cult classic status since its initial release and will make its North American 4K streaming debut following its appearance at Sitges. Its screening at the festival falls under the “Anima’t / Sitges Clàssics” category, offering a chance to revisit a seminal work in fantastic animation with enhanced visual quality.
Diverse Selections Across Anima’t and Noves Visions
Beyond the spotlighted titles, the expanded Anima’t section will feature a rich array of animated films. New productions joining the program include “Dog of God” by Lauris and Raitis Abele, Heinrich Sabl’s “Memory Hotel” (a stop-motion epic gestated over two decades), and the Japanese films “Nightmare Bugs” by Osamu Fukutani & Saku Sakamoto, and “Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark” by t.o.L. Other noteworthy animated works include “Heart of Darkness” by Rogério Nunes (which also competes in Noves Visions), “Lesbian Space Princess” by Emma Hough Hobbs & Leela Varghese, and “The Great History of Western Philosophy” by Aria Covamonas. The section will also host a retrospective dedicated to Italian master Bruno Bozzetto and feature late-night screenings of surreal titles such as “Endless Cookie”.
The festival’s “Noves Visions” section, known for its experimental and boundary-pushing content, will continue to explore themes of identity, human affections, and the limits of human possibility. This section will include films like “About a Hero” by Piotr Winiewicz, notable for its AI-generated script, and Alireza Khatami’s “The Things You Kill”. The integration of animation within Noves Visions further emphasizes the festival’s holistic approach to fantastic cinema.
The 58th edition of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is set to deliver an immersive experience, showcasing both the future and the enduring legacy of fantastic storytelling through film.
