The Busan Festival presents a new section dedicated to anime with a selection of 12+1 titles ranging from Rintaro's Metropolis and Mamoru Oshii's Angel's Egg to the contemporary ghost – end of night by Shingo Natsume. For industry professionals, this program serves as a platform to examine the evolution of traditional and digital animation techniques, as well as current narrative trends in the Asian circuit.
Hybrid techniques and European heritage in Japanese animation 🎨
The Busan selection allows for deep technical analysis. Metropolis showcases the mastery of cel animation and background composition inspired by German Expressionism, while Angel's Egg demonstrates the use of lighting and silence as narrative tools. In contrast, ghost – end of night explores the integration of CGI and digital rotoscoping to create dreamlike atmospheres. The curation highlights how European classics have shaped the visual language of anime, offering attendees comparative study material and networking opportunities with creators who move between both poles.
Twelve films and a bonus to fill your notebook 📝
If you are one of those who attend festivals with your notebook ready to jot down every frame, get ready: this section will give you hand cramps. Between Oshii philosophizing with giant eggs and Rintaro paying homage to Fritz Lang, the only break will be to debate whether Shingo Natsume has invented a new genre or just a very elaborate Instagram filter. And with the 13th title, maybe they want someone to be in for a surprise. That said, don't expect to find popcorn: auteur cinema is savored in silence and with the occasional raised eyebrow.