The recent Animation Is Film festival in Los Angeles saw The Colors Within anime film by Science SARU and director Naoko Yamada winning the Audience Award. The festival also featured the Australian stop-motion film Memoirs of a Snail, which tied with The Colors Within for the Audience Award and also won the Special Jury Prize. Flow, a film by Gints Zilbalodis from Latvia, France, and Belgium, took home the Grand Prize at the festival.
The festival, which took place from October 18-20, showcased the North American premiere of The Colors Within on its opening day. Additionally, the festival screened other notable films like Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain and Ghost Cat Anzu. The Miyazaki, Spirit of Nature documentary, exploring Hayao Miyazaki’s ecological connections throughout his career, also had its North American premiere at the festival.
The Colors Within anime film follows the story of Totsuko, a high school girl with the ability to see the emotions in people’s hearts as colors. The film delves into her experiences at a mission school in Nagasaki, where she navigates relationships and emotions to keep those around her feeling positive. The film explores themes of friendship, music, and sensitivity through the characters’ journey to form a band.
Directed by Naoko Yamada at Science SARU, The Colors Within features a script by Reiko Yoshida and music by kensuke ushio. The original characters were created by DaisukeRichard, with character design and animation direction by Takashi Kojima. The theme song “in the pocket” is performed by Mr. Children.
The film initially premiered in Japan on August 30, with GKIDS acquiring distribution rights for North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Anime Ltd., PLAION PICTURES, and CHARADES have also secured distribution rights for Europe and other territories.
The Colors Within’s win at the Animation Is Film festival highlights its impact on audiences and recognition within the animation community. The film’s exploration of emotions, relationships, and the power of music resonated with viewers, earning it acclaim at the festival. As the film continues to garner praise and attention, it solidifies its place as a standout work in the world of anime cinema.
