A New Era for Studio 4°C on the Global Stage
Yasuhiro Aoki’s highly anticipated anime feature film, “ChaO,” from the renowned Studio 4°C, has officially entered the competition at the prestigious Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF). This selection marks a significant moment for the film, following its acclaimed debut and Jury Prize win at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025. The film’s inclusion in OIAF’s Official Competition underscores its rising profile in the global animation landscape and highlights Studio 4°C’s continued legacy of pushing creative boundaries.
Studio 4°C’s Enduring Legacy
Studio 4°C, established in 1986, has long been celebrated for its distinctive artistic vision and willingness to explore diverse themes and animation techniques. The studio has garnered a reputation for producing visually stunning and thought-provoking works that often challenge conventional storytelling. Their filmography boasts an impressive array of titles, including “Memories,” “Mind Game,” “Children of the Sea,” and “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko,” each a testament to their commitment to animation as a serious art form. “ChaO” represents the culmination of a considerable seven-year production period, a testament to the meticulous hand-drawn animation involved, reportedly exceeding 100,000 individual drawings. This dedication to craft aligns perfectly with Studio 4°C’s established identity as a powerhouse of quality and innovation within the Japanese animation industry.
The Artistic Direction of Yasuhiro Aoki
At the helm of “ChaO” is director Yasuhiro Aoki, a seasoned animator with a rich history in the industry. Aoki’s previous directorial credits include “Tweeny Witches” and contributions to projects such as “Batman: Gotham Knight.” His work on “ChaO” is further bolstered by a talented team, including Shōgo Furuya as unit director, Hirokazu Kojima as character designer and chief animation director, Hiroshi Takiguchi as art director, and Takatsugu Muramatsu composing the music. This collaborative synergy promises a film that is not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant, building upon Aoki’s distinct storytelling sensibilities.
“ChaO”: A Unique Blend of Romance and Sci-Fi
“ChaO” is described as a “wild romantic comedy” and a “true ‘fish out of water’ story,” blending elements of sci-fi fantasy with a charming love narrative. The film envisions a futuristic society where humans and mermaids coexist, exploring themes of unexpected connection and bridging cultural divides.
The central plot revolves around Stefan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose ordinary life is dramatically altered when he receives an unexpected marriage proposal from ChaO, a spirited princess from the mermaid kingdom. This sudden turn of events forces Stefan to navigate a new life alongside the unpredictable and wholehearted mermaid, leading to an unfolding romance that is both touching and unconventional. Ōji Suzuka lends his voice to the human protagonist, Stefan, while Anna Yamada voices the titular mermaid princess, ChaO, bringing their unique chemistry to the animated characters. The supporting cast includes talented voice actors such as Yūichirō Umehara, Ryōta Yamasato, Kavka Shishido, Cookie!, Kenta Miyake, Shunsei Ōta, and Anna Tsuchiya, further enriching the film’s narrative tapestry. The film’s theme song, “ChaO!” is performed by Koda Kumi, adding another layer of artistic collaboration to the project.
A Triumphant Journey Through the Festival Circuit
Before its arrival at OIAF, “ChaO” has already made a significant impact on the international film festival circuit. The film premiered at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in June 2025, where it was honored with the coveted Jury Prize. This early recognition at one of the world’s leading animation events immediately positioned “ChaO” as a film of considerable artistic merit and global appeal. Following Annecy, “ChaO” continued its festival journey, with screenings at the Japan Cuts Film Festival in New York in July 2025 and the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, which runs from July through August 2025. These screenings have helped build anticipation for its theatrical release in Japan on August 15, 2025, and its subsequent distribution in North America by GKIDS.
Competing at the Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), established in 1976, is recognized as North America’s largest and oldest animation festival, attracting a diverse audience of artists, producers, students, and animation enthusiasts from around the globe. The festival is renowned for its bold programming and its unique approach of pitting both commercial and independent animated projects against each other in competition, fostering a wide breadth of styles and formats.
“ChaO”‘s selection for the OIAF’s 2025 Official Features Competition places it among a select group of highly acclaimed animated works vying for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation. The festival, which typically runs in September, will culminate in an awards ceremony where an international jury will determine the winners. This platform provides “ChaO” with another opportunity to gain international exposure and critical recognition, further cementing its place as a significant animated work of 2025. The festival’s commitment to showcasing experimental and diverse animated narratives makes it an ideal venue for a film like “ChaO,” which pushes genre boundaries and artistic techniques.
Broader Impact and Anticipation
The journey of “ChaO” from its long development at Studio 4°C to its success at Annecy and now its competition at OIAF highlights the enduring vitality and global reach of Japanese animation. The film’s innovative narrative, coupled with Studio 4°C’s reputation for visual excellence and Yasuhiro Aoki’s direction, has generated considerable excitement among animation aficionados worldwide. As “ChaO” prepares for its theatrical debut in Japan and its North American release, its presence at prestigious festivals like OIAF not only raises its profile but also contributes to the broader dialogue about the evolving art form of animation, showcasing how it can explore complex themes through compelling and imaginative storytelling.
