Studio 4°C’s “ChaO” is already generating buzz, even before its official release. The film has been nominated for the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2025 in the Feature Films category. This nomination places “ChaO” among other notable animated works from around the world, including “The Last Blossom,” and films from Europe, Canada, and China.
The film’s director, Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his character design work on “Psycho-Pass – The Movie,” expressed his excitement and gratitude for the nomination. He highlighted the passion and dedication of the entire staff in bringing the story of Stephen and Chao to life, calling the Annecy nomination a “miracle.”
So, what is “ChaO” all about? The movie is set in a near-future world where humans and mermen coexist. Stephen, a shipping engineer working in Shanghai, develops a special propeller called Air Jet. This invention is designed to be harmless to marine life, promoting peace and harmony between humans and mermen.
The story takes an interesting turn when Chao, a mermaid princess, asks Stephen to marry her. This request throws their two worlds into a collision course. As they navigate their cultural differences and try to understand each other, a tragic accident occurs, putting a significant strain on their relationship and the delicate balance between the two races.
The cast of “ChaO” is filled with talented voice actors, each bringing their unique skills to their respective roles. Yuichiro Umehara, known for his role as Goblin Slayer in “GOBLIN SLAYER,” voices Roberta. Ryota Yamazato, from the comedy duo Nankai Candies, plays Shi. Vocalist Kavka Shishido lends her voice to Maibei, while Kenta Miyake, the voice of All Might in “My Hero Academia,” takes on the role of King Neptunus.
Shunsei Ota of OCTPATH voices Juno, and Anna Tsuchiya, known for her singing voice as Nana Osaki in “NANA,” plays the editor-in-chief. Cookie! from the comedy duo Yasei Bakudan voices Ambassador Omede. Previously, it was announced that Oji Suzuka, who played Shōta Kazehaya in the live-action “Kimi ni Todoke,” would voice Stephen, and Anna Yamada, known for her role as Asirpa in “Golden Kamuy,” would voice Chao.
With its unique storyline, stunning hand-drawn animation, and a talented cast, “ChaO” promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking film. The Annecy nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Studio 4°C. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this extraordinary animated movie.
The movie’s themes of cultural understanding, environmental responsibility, and the challenges of intercultural relationships resonate deeply in today’s world. Stephen’s invention, the Air Jet propeller, symbolizes the potential for technological innovation to bridge divides and promote harmony between humans and nature. Chao’s desire to marry Stephen highlights the complexities of love and relationships when individuals from different backgrounds come together.
The tragic accident that strains their relationship serves as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of empathy and communication in overcoming adversity. “ChaO” invites viewers to reflect on their own biases and prejudices and to consider the perspectives of those who are different from them.
The film’s visual style, with its intricate hand-drawn animation, is a testament to the artistry and skill of the animators at Studio 4°C. The attention to detail in the character designs, backgrounds, and action sequences creates a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience. The use of color and lighting further enhances the emotional impact of the story, drawing viewers into the world of “ChaO.”
The Annecy International Animated Film Festival is one of the most prestigious animation festivals in the world, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and animation enthusiasts from around the globe. A nomination for the festival is a significant achievement, recognizing the artistic merit and technical excellence of the film. “ChaO”‘s nomination is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and talent of the entire team at Studio 4°C.
As audiences eagerly await the release of “ChaO,” the film’s message of hope, understanding, and the power of love to overcome differences is more relevant than ever. The movie promises to be a cinematic experience that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.