Japan · 2025 · 13+ · 90 min · Japanese with English subtitles
In-person Q&A with Animation Director Hirokazu Kojima
The acclaimed Studio 4C, known for their inventive designs and avant-garde storytelling, has spent 7 years working on Chao, a film about love persevering despite a prevalent divide.
In a world where sea people live in tandem with humans, tensions are high due to boat propeller incidents. Ambitious ship worker Stephan becomes entangled in a political marriage with the princess of the fish people, Chao. Chao’s love for Stephan is immediate and true though cultural differences threaten his ability to return her feelings.
Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki with character designs from Hirokazu Kojima, Chao is a film that asks “What can love overcome?” Finding the answer will take you on a heartwarming and delightful journey.
