Yoshitoshi Shinomiya¡¯s animated film ¡°A New Dawn¡± has been nominated for the Golden Bear, the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, organizers announced Tuesday.
The film is one of 22 contenders from 28 countries in the main competition category at the 76th edition of the festival, which runs from Feb. 12 to 22.
Its nomination marks the first time in three years that a Japanese film has been selected to compete for the Golden Bear. The previous entry was Makoto Shinkai¡¯s animated film ¡°Suzume.¡± In 2002, Hayao Miyazaki won the prize with ¡°Spirited Away.¡±
¡°A New Dawn¡± is the feature directorial debut of Shinomiya, who is also known for his work on Shinkai¡¯s 2016 smash hit ¡°Your Name.¡± The film is scheduled for nationwide release in Japan on March 6.
Shinomiya¡¯s film centers on Keitaro, a young man living in a derelict fireworks factory. Once nestled in a verdant forest, the structure is now surrounded by solar panels and faces an uncertain future. Before losing his home, Keitaro decides to set off a firework of sentimental value with the help of his brother and a childhood friend.
Wim Wenders, who directed 2023¡¯s ¡°Perfect Days¡± starring Koji Yakusho, will head the international jury that decides the Golden Bear winner.
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