Film label NOTHING NEW officially revealed the teaser video and striking teaser visual for their ambitious full-length anime film, Ware Ware wa Uchūjin (We Are Aliens), on Tuesday. This highly anticipated project, produced in collaboration with the innovative animator Kōhei Kadowaki, marks a significant step for the burgeoning independent film label. The teaser announcement also served to unveil the film’s main cast and confirm the involvement of acclaimed musical composer Yaffle, known for his work with prominent artists like Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu, further underscoring the project’s high caliber. Adding to the film’s growing prestige, the 79th Cannes Film Festival has officially selected Ware Ware wa Uchūjin for a prestigious screening at the festival’s Directors’ Fortnight sidebar, scheduled to run from May 12 to May 23.
A Glimpse into Ware Ware wa Uchūjin
The newly released teaser video offers a tantalizing first look at the visual style and emotional core of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin. While brief, it hints at a narrative that delves into themes of childhood friendship, the complexities of growing apart, and the enduring power of memory. The accompanying teaser visual, shared across social media platforms, features evocative imagery that immediately captures the film’s aesthetic, drawing viewers into its unique world. These early releases are crucial in building anticipation and establishing the film’s artistic identity within the competitive animation landscape.
Prominent Voices Join the Ensemble
The film’s main cast has been revealed to feature established talents lending their voices to the central characters. Ryōta Bandō, recognized for his work in Fureru. and the Japanese dub of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, will voice the character Tsubasa as a young adult. Complementing his performance, Amane Okayama, known for her roles in Blue Giant and live-action adaptations like I”s and Hirayasumi, will portray Akitarō in their young adult years.
Adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth, the younger versions of Tsubasa and Akitarō will be voiced by talented child actors Yuto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, respectively. Both young performers were selected through a rigorous audition process, indicating a commitment to finding the most fitting voices to embody the characters’ formative years. This dual casting approach—pairing established actors with emerging child talent—suggests a narrative that will explore the characters’ journeys across different stages of their lives with nuanced performances.
Narrative Depth and Creative Vision
Ware Ware wa Uchūjin centers on the intertwined lives of Tsubasa and Akitarō, two boys whose bond as elementary school students is tested by time, jealousy, and unspoken misunderstandings. As they navigate divergent paths in adulthood, the film explores their eventual confrontation with the lingering echoes of their past. This narrative premise suggests a character-driven story that will resonate with audiences by exploring universal themes of friendship, regret, and reconciliation.
The creative reins of the film are firmly in the hands of Kōhei Kadowaki, a multifaceted artist with a distinctive vision. Kadowaki is credited as the film’s planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor, showcasing his comprehensive involvement in bringing Ware Ware wa Uchūjin to life. His previous work includes creating the ending sequence for the second season of the critically acclaimed anime BEASTARS and directing music videos for the popular musical duo YOASOBI. This diverse background suggests a director capable of blending narrative storytelling with a strong visual sensibility.
International Recognition at Cannes
The inclusion of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin in the Directors’ Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival is a significant endorsement of its artistic merit and potential international appeal. The Directors’ Fortnight is a prestigious independent section of the festival, known for showcasing bold, auteur-driven cinema and emerging talents. Its selection signifies that Ware Ware wa Uchūjin has been recognized for its originality and artistic ambition on a global stage, placing it among a curated selection of groundbreaking films from around the world. This platform is invaluable for an independent production, offering unparalleled visibility and opportunities for distribution and critical acclaim.
Production Collaboration and Funding Success
The production of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin is a testament to international collaboration. French studio Miyu Productions, known for their work on acclaimed shorts like Ghost Cat Anzu and A New Dawn, is providing production cooperation. Miyu Productions joined the project in June 2025, a move that likely bolstered the film’s production capabilities and international reach. NOTHING NEW, in addition to its role as producer, is also credited for the film’s planning.
The film’s journey has also been supported by a successful crowdfunding campaign. Launched in November on the Motion Gallery website, the campaign aimed to secure funds for production and advertising costs, with the explicit goals of enhancing the quality of the work and facilitating wider distribution. The campaign concluded on March 2, surpassing its target of 8 million yen (approximately US$50,365) by raising a total of 9,604,510 yen (approximately US$60,467). This significant overfunding highlights the strong public support and belief in the project’s potential. The success of this crowdfunding effort demonstrates a growing trend of audience engagement in independent animation production, allowing creators to connect directly with their potential viewers and build a dedicated fanbase before release.
NOTHING NEW: A Vision for Uncompromised Talent
NOTHING NEW, the film label behind Ware Ware wa Uchūjin, was founded in 2022 with a clear mission: "to create a world where talent is not crushed." This ethos suggests a commitment to fostering creative freedom and providing a platform for artists to realize their visions without the constraints often imposed by larger, more commercially driven entities. As a relatively new player in the industry, their focus on distinctive, artist-driven projects positions them as an exciting emerging force in independent filmmaking. The success of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin on its early stages of its release journey could set a precedent for their future endeavors and further solidify their reputation.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The selection of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin for the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, coupled with its successful crowdfunding campaign and the involvement of reputable production partners and a renowned composer, points towards a promising future for the film. For Kōhei Kadowaki, this project represents a significant opportunity to showcase his directorial vision on a grand scale. For NOTHING NEW, it is a pivotal moment, validating their founding principles and demonstrating their capability to produce high-quality, internationally recognized animated features.
The film’s narrative, which delves into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth, has the potential to resonate with a broad audience. In an era where animated films are increasingly recognized for their artistic depth and thematic maturity, Ware Ware wa Uchūjin appears poised to contribute to this evolving landscape. Its international debut at Cannes is not only a recognition of its artistic achievements but also a strategic move to secure global distribution and critical attention. The film is slated for release this year, and the anticipation generated by these early announcements suggests it will be a notable entry in the 2024 animated film calendar. The broader impact of Ware Ware wa Uchūjin‘s success could inspire other independent studios and filmmakers to pursue ambitious projects, further diversifying the animation industry and offering audiences a wider array of unique cinematic experiences. The film’s journey, from its independent funding to its prestigious festival slot, serves as a compelling narrative in itself, embodying the spirit of artistic perseverance and the power of community support in bringing creative visions to fruition.
