Animated films "Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" and "The Feast of Amrita"
zelicofilm,LLC
Two animated feature films "Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" and "The Feast of Amrita" were directed, animated, written, and composed by animation artist Saku Sakamoto.
The challenge for a single person to produce a more than 60-minute animated film was almost unprecedented, even internationally, attracting attention and accolades at film festivals around the world.
"Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" was officially invited to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2019, one of the most prestigious international animation film festivals. This film and his next film, "The Feast of Amrita," were also nominated for the World Festival of Animated Film Zagreb, one of the three major animation film festivals, in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Both films were shown at more than 10 international film festivals.
Barrier-free versions were also made focusing on sophisticated expressions well-suited to the taste of the films, not only to gain a foothold domestically but also to expand the barrier-free film market globally.
These films are currently available on Blu-ray, DVD, and subscription video streaming services.
The challenge for a single person to produce a more than 60-minute animated film was almost unprecedented, even internationally, attracting attention and accolades at film festivals around the world.
"Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" was officially invited to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2019, one of the most prestigious international animation film festivals. This film and his next film, "The Feast of Amrita," were also nominated for the World Festival of Animated Film Zagreb, one of the three major animation film festivals, in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Both films were shown at more than 10 international film festivals.
Barrier-free versions were also made focusing on sophisticated expressions well-suited to the taste of the films, not only to gain a foothold domestically but also to expand the barrier-free film market globally.
These films are currently available on Blu-ray, DVD, and subscription video streaming services.
Philosophy & Vision
Aiming to establish and expand barrier-free animations
Zelico Film was founded by Osamu Fukutani, who produced many films, games, and novels.
Its mission is to explore the possibilities of audiovisual art by working on projects and themes that are unlikely to be realized by major film companies.
Unique animated films "Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" and "The Feast of Amrita," made in Tokyo, were converted into barrier-free versions (Japanese audio guide version and Japanese subtitle version) in cooperation with Tokyo-based production companies.
The number of visually- or hearing-impaired people, who require barrier-free versions of films, is about 600,000 in Japan, and the elderly are estimated to account for nearly half of the population.
Under such circumstances, there will be various needs for barrier-free versions, such as animated films whose stories can be understood more through textual information or audio explanation and reading lines in Japanese text; this is likely to help the market grow.
Barrier-free versions have been offered as supplemental features at such events as special screenings and benefits, but the company is planning to hold a screening event to experience a barrier-free version as the main feature.
At international exhibitions, the company will showcase its initiatives on barrier-free versions, where Japan is ahead of the world, to share the possibilities and charms of barrier-free animated films from Tokyo with the world through propagation and promotion, according to the circumstances of each country.
Its mission is to explore the possibilities of audiovisual art by working on projects and themes that are unlikely to be realized by major film companies.
Unique animated films "Aragne: Sign of Vermillion" and "The Feast of Amrita," made in Tokyo, were converted into barrier-free versions (Japanese audio guide version and Japanese subtitle version) in cooperation with Tokyo-based production companies.
The number of visually- or hearing-impaired people, who require barrier-free versions of films, is about 600,000 in Japan, and the elderly are estimated to account for nearly half of the population.
Under such circumstances, there will be various needs for barrier-free versions, such as animated films whose stories can be understood more through textual information or audio explanation and reading lines in Japanese text; this is likely to help the market grow.
Barrier-free versions have been offered as supplemental features at such events as special screenings and benefits, but the company is planning to hold a screening event to experience a barrier-free version as the main feature.
At international exhibitions, the company will showcase its initiatives on barrier-free versions, where Japan is ahead of the world, to share the possibilities and charms of barrier-free animated films from Tokyo with the world through propagation and promotion, according to the circumstances of each country.
Creator's Commitment
Animated feature films produced by a single creator
Animation artist Saku Sakamoto has produced films with an unorthodox approach—all by himself—to conjure up images in his head vividly.
It is rare for an individual to produce a high-quality animated film that runs more than 60 minutes, and he even did it in only one and a half years. This was so unprecedented that Zelico Film drew global attention.
It is rare for an individual to produce a high-quality animated film that runs more than 60 minutes, and he even did it in only one and a half years. This was so unprecedented that Zelico Film drew global attention.