TOKYO, February 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has nominated Shuhei Morita's "Possessions" for the 86th Academy Awards in the category of Animated Short Film. "Possessions" was released in Japan on July 20, 2013 as part of Katsuhiro Otomo's "Short Peace" film omnibus. "Possessions" has enjoyed a strong reputation overseas and has been included in the official selection for the 2012 Annecy International Animated Film Festival under the original title "Tsukumo."
"Possessions" is themed around the idea that spirits reside inside things, and it portrays how people interact with these supernatural beings. The film fuses 3D computer graphics with animation in the style of old Japanese paintings, creating an aesthetic that is both highly original and magical.
"I've struggled for the past few years to understand what kind of anime genre I am trying to pursue. With 'Possessions' I could finally make a film that I was satisfied with, one that I was able to put all my soul into," says director Shuhei Morita. "It is rare for a short film like this to see the light of day in Japan and it was very tough to make it. We are all so happy that 'Possessions' has been nominated and will be seen by more people around the world."
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at the Dolby Theater on March 2 (EST).
(All materials about "Possessions" are available on http://www.image.net/possessions )
Shuhei Morita:
Representative of YAMATOWORKS, LLC.
"Kakurenbo: Hide and Seek" (2005, OVA)
"FREEDOM" (2006-2008, OVA)
"Koisento" (2010, OVA)
About "Possessions":
One stormy night in the 18th century Japan, a man loses his way deep in the mountains. He comes across a small shrine and takes shelter inside. But as he enters the shrine transforms itself into a strange fantasy world. He finds himself in a room filled with a host of tools in various states of disrepair. He sets about skillfully fixing the household objects. But these tools are not just tools. They are inhabited by spirits harboring deep-seated grudges that are not easily appeased.
Official website: http://shortpeace-movie.com/
(c) SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE
(c) KATSUHIRO OTOMO/MASH ROOM/SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE
Contact:
Kanako Miyamoto
Contents/Creative Section
DENTSU TEC INC.
Tel: +81-3-5551-9268
e-mail: miyamoto-kanako@contract.dentsutec.co.jp
