Japan

Narrowed down from an amazing 2000+ entries, this year’s survey of the best in animated short films covers the gamut from sumptuous painterly Russian styles to the most inventive and expressive CGI, including NZ-made Poppy.

Academy Award 2009: Best Foreign Film. In this beautifully performed character study an unemployed cellist finds fulfilment and a depth of human connection in the most unlikely profession.

A delirious and hypnotic masterwork of epic proportions complete with Catholic guilt, kick-ass kung fu schoolgirls, a loony cult and upskirt photography. “This movie will cleanse you of your sins and leave you horny as hell.” — NY Asian Film Festival

The latest enthralling masterpiece of all-ages wonderment from Japanese animation genius Miyazaki (Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away). “Great fantasy and charm… Will delight children ages three to 100.” — Hollywood Reporter

Action maestro John Woo returns to China for this historical epic, the biggest budget Asian movie ever made. “Ratchets the entertainment factor up to 11.” — Japan Times. With Tony Leung, Kaneshiro Takeshi.

The best of recent Asian CGI shorts – narratives, ads, music videos – as selected from a 1000 entries at the prestigious SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques) Asia Festival.

Spectacular anime from the maker of Ghost in the Shell tells the story of a group of genetically modified eternally-young fighter aces in a world where war has become a company-sponsored reality game.

“This sublimely poignant character study will likely… be recognised in time as one of the best Japanese family dramas ever put on film.” — Time Out Hong Kong. From the director of Nobody Knows and After Life.