Yasuhiro Aoki’s “ChaO,” a feature-length anime film from the renowned Japanese animation studio Studio 4°C, has been officially selected to compete at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF). The film is among five animated features vying for the Grand Prize in Feature Animation at the prestigious festival, which runs from September 24 to September 28, 2025.
A Notable Entry in a Renowned Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival, established in 1976, holds the distinction of being North America’s largest and oldest animation festival. It is widely recognized as a premier global event in the animation industry, attracting thousands of artists, producers, students, and fans annually. The festival is celebrated for its unique approach of blending commercial and independent works within its competitions, fostering an environment where “art and industry intersect”. The OIAF is organized by the Canadian Film Institute (CFI) and prides itself on not charging submission fees to filmmakers, emphasizing its commitment to supporting artists.
The inclusion of “ChaO” in the official competition highlights its significance in the global animation landscape. The film’s selection follows its recent win of the Jury Award in the feature films category at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, a testament to its critical acclaim and innovative storytelling.
‘ChaO’: A Synopsis
“ChaO” is a romantic comedy set in a near-future Shanghai, where humans and merpeople coexist. The narrative centers on Stephen, a shipping engineer dedicated to developing a marine-life-friendly propeller named Air Jet, aiming to foster peace between the two races. His life takes an unexpected turn when Chao, a mermaid princess, proposes marriage to him. The film explores the humorous and often challenging cultural differences that arise as their two worlds collide, leading to both comedic misunderstandings and profound emotional struggles.
The movie’s plot delves into themes of love beyond cultural boundaries, selflessness, and environmental respect, using a blend of zany comedy and heartfelt drama. It has been described as a “wild romantic comedy” and a true “fish out of water” story, offering a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre. The film also features a rich, fantastical world-building, utilizing a combination of animation techniques that are visually spectacular and energetic in style.
The Creative Minds Behind ‘ChaO’
Yasuhiro Aoki: Director’s Feature Debut
“ChaO” marks the feature film directorial debut for Yasuhiro Aoki. Aoki is a veteran animator with a notable career, having contributed to major productions such as “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” “Digimon: The Movie,” and “The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim” as a key animator or animation director. His direction in “ChaO” has been lauded for its anarchic storytelling and distinctive voice in Japanese anime.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Studio 4°C, the animation powerhouse behind “ChaO,” was founded in 1986 by Eiko Tanaka and Kōji Morimoto. The studio is celebrated for its distinctive and often experimental approach to animation, bridging the gap between independent festival animation and mainstream anime aesthetics. Their extensive filmography includes critically acclaimed works such as “Memories” (1995), “Spriggan” (1998), “Mind Game” (2004), “Tekkonkinkreet” (2006), “Children of the Sea” (2019), and “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko” (2021). The studio also contributed segments to “The Animatrix”. Their reputation for innovative storytelling and visual artistry makes “ChaO” a highly anticipated addition to their diverse portfolio.
Cast and Production Details
The film features a talented voice cast, with Ōji Suzuka voicing Stephen, the shipping engineer, and Anna Yamada as the mermaid princess, Chao. Other cast members include Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief, Cookie! as Ambassador Omede, Kavka Shishido as Maibei, Kenta Miyake as King Neptunus, Ryōta Yamasato as President Shi, and Shunsei Ōta as Juno.
The creative team includes Hirokazu Kojima for character design and chief animation direction, Hiroshi Takiguchi as art director, and Takatsugu Muramatsu composing the music. Japanese singer Kumi Kōda performs the theme song “ChaO!”.
“ChaO” is slated for a theatrical release in Japan on August 15, 2025, and GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights. The film’s continued presence on the international festival circuit, including its competition at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, underscores its global appeal and significance in contemporary animated cinema..
