The critically acclaimed anime feature film ChaO, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki and produced by the renowned Studio 4°C, has been officially selected to compete for the prestigious Grand Prize for Feature Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) this September. This latest recognition follows the film’s recent triumph at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it was awarded the Jury Prize.
A Visionary Blend of Romance and Fantasy
ChaO introduces audiences to a whimsical yet thought-provoking world where humans and mermaids coexist. The narrative centers on Stephan, a diligent office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he receives a sudden marriage proposal from ChaO, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. This unexpected proposition thrusts Stephan into a highly publicized, whirlwind romance with the unpredictable and wholehearted mermaid princess, challenging his emotional barriers as a sincere love story begins to unfold. The film has been described as a “wild romantic comedy and true ‘fish out of water’ story,” blending zany comedy with heartfelt drama against an underlying ecological parable.
Produced by Studio 4°C, known for its inventive and visually distinctive animated works, ChaO boasts a unique aesthetic achieved through a meticulous mix of traditional hand-drawn animation, incorporating over 100,000 drawings, alongside 2D and 3D digital techniques. This fusion results in a visually rich and idiosyncratic film that stands apart in its visual identity. The film’s musical score is composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, with Hirokazu Kojima serving as both character designer and chief animation director. The theme song, “ChaO!,” is performed by Kumi Koda and was specifically written for the film.
The Talent Behind the Artistry
Yasuhiro Aoki, who directed ChaO, is recognized for his contributions to various animated projects, including Batman: Gotham Knight and Tweeny Witches. His direction in ChaO marks his feature film debut, showcasing his imaginative storytelling. Studio 4°C, the production house behind ChaO, has a celebrated history of creating groundbreaking animated films, including titles such as Memories, Berserk, Children of the Sea, and Poupelle of Chimney Town. The studio reportedly worked on ChaO in secret for approximately seven years, a testament to its dedicated craftsmanship.
The lead voice roles are brought to life by Ōji Suzuka as Stefan and Anna Yamada as Princess ChaO. The cast also includes notable talents such as Yūichirō Umehara, Ryōta Yamasato, Kavka Shishido, Cookie!, Kenta Miyake, Shunsei Ōta, and Anna Tsuchiya.
A Journey of International Acclaim
Before its selection for the OIAF, ChaO premiered at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, held from June 8 to June 14, where it secured the Jury Prize. Its journey continues with screenings at the JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film in New York on July 10, and the 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, running from July 16 through August 3. The film is slated for its theatrical release in Japan on August 15, 2025.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) stands as one of the world’s leading and most respected animation events, known for showcasing a diverse array of animated art since its inception in 1976. As North America’s oldest and largest animation festival, it annually draws artists, producers, students, and animation enthusiasts from across the globe. The OIAF is recognized for its unique approach of pitting both commercial and independent projects against each other in competition, fostering a wide breadth of styles and formats.
This year’s OIAF is scheduled to run from September 24 to September 28, with the Awards Ceremony, where the Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature will be announced, taking place on September 27 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. ChaO will compete alongside four other distinguished animated features from various countries.
