GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Another World,” a new fantasy animated feature from Hong Kong that will make its world premiere this week at the 2025 Annecy Animation Festival.
Screening in the fest’s prestigious Midnight Specials section, this marks the first time in over 20 years a Hong Kong animated feature has screened at Annecy, the last being “My Life as McDull” in 2003.
“Another World” is the directorial debut of Tommy Ng Kai Chung, based on the Japanese novel “Sennenki” by Saijo Naka. The film is written and produced by Polly Yeung Po Man and co-produced by veteran filmmaker Chan Gin Kai.
The story follows Gudo, a spirit who guides souls to reincarnation, and his journey with a young girl named Yuri. Together, they confront a hidden curse rooted in unresolved rage that threatens to destroy both the physical and spiritual worlds.
“‘Another World’ is a captivating and moving exploration of life and death with awe-inspiring visuals that showcases the incredible young talent coming out of Hong Kong,” said Erica Chon, GKIDS’ director of content. “With mind-blowing action sequences deftly grounded by heartfelt emotional storytelling, we are so thrilled to introduce Director Ng’s stunning directorial debut to North America.”
Director Ng described his characters as deeply human. “When faced with truths too heavy to bear, they falter. They grieve, they rage—and they cling to the unresolved questions in their hearts,” he said. “That stubbornness, that unwillingness to let go, has the power to destroy them… but it also fuels their strength. It becomes the fire that lights their path forward, even in darkness.”
Screenwriter and producer Yeung emphasized the film’s social relevance. “In a world that is so full of anger and despair, worsened by the divisive opinions and hateful comments that we are relentlessly exposed to on social media, rage spreads more virally than all other emotions,” she said. “As storytellers, we strive to use the animation medium to help relieve the angst that audiences feel within, and hopefully turn their anger into change.”
Producer Chan highlighted the project’s collaborative nature and the youth of its creative team. “I was drawn as much by the story as by the incredible talents of Tommy and Polly,” he said. “‘Another World’ is a global collaboration that brings together artists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, France and the Philippines. With an average team age of just 28, it’s inspiring to see such young creators craft a story this emotionally layered and visually compelling. I’m honored to be part of a project that showcases a new generation of storytellers for a global audience.”
Release plans, including a theatrical rollout and home entertainment distribution, will be announced at a later date. The film is presented in Cantonese with subtitles; no news yet as to whether an English-language dub will be available as part of its theatrical release.
The deal was negotiated between Rodney Uhler of GKIDS, Chan Gin Kai of Silver Media, and Polly Yeung of Point Five Creations.
variety.com
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