by Kohei Kadowaki’s acclaimed animated feature continues its impressive global festival journey with selections in Melbourne, New Zealand, and Ottawa.
The upcoming animated feature film We Are Aliens has earned official selections at three additional international film festivals, continuing its growing momentum ahead of its theatrical release in Japan.
Following its screenings at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, director Kohei Kadowaki’s latest film will now be showcased at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), and the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival (OIAF).
The latest announcements further strengthen the film’s international reputation before it opens in Japanese theaters on September 25, 2026.
A Coming-of-Age Story About Friendship and Change
We Are Aliens tells the emotional story of two boys whose lives become deeply connected during their childhood.
The film follows Tsubasa, a shy and reserved boy who struggles with feeling ordinary, and Akitaro, a confident and popular classmate admired by those around him. Although the two have very different personalities, they develop a close friendship after meeting in a quiet rural town during Japan’s Heisei era.
As they grow closer, the pair experience the joys and challenges of adolescence together. However, unexpected events gradually disrupt their peaceful daily lives, leading to an irreversible incident that dramatically changes both their friendship and their futures.
Blending coming-of-age drama with emotionally rich storytelling, the film explores themes of identity, loneliness, friendship, and the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood.
Continuing Success on the International Festival Circuit
Even before its domestic theatrical release, We Are Aliens has attracted significant attention from the international film community.
The film first premiered at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, followed by a screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious events dedicated to animation.
Its latest selections further expand its international reach:
- Melbourne International Film Festival (Australia)
- New Zealand International Film Festival
- Ottawa International Animation Film Festival (Canada)
Among these, the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading animation festivals. Being selected for its feature film competition represents another major achievement for the production team and reflects the film’s growing international recognition.
Director Kohei Kadowaki Reflects on the Achievement
Director Kohei Kadowaki expressed his gratitude following the latest festival announcements.
He shared that when production first began, the team never imagined the film would be screened for audiences around the world before its Japanese release.
Kadowaki also noted that being selected for another major international animation festival has strengthened the staff’s confidence and reinforced their belief in the project. He described the recognition as a source of encouragement, saying it makes the team’s long-held vision feel increasingly real.
Voice Cast
The film features performances from two acclaimed Japanese actors:
- Ryota Bando as Tsubasa
- Amane Okayama as Akitaro
Their performances bring emotional depth to the central friendship that drives the story and help capture the characters’ personal struggles and growth.
Production Staff
The creative team behind We Are Aliens includes several notable names from Japan’s animation industry.
Staff
- Planning, Screenplay, and Director: Kohei Kadowaki
- Music: Yaffle
- Planning, Production, and Animation: NOTHING NEW
- Production Cooperation: MIYU PRODUCTIONS
- Distribution: TOHO NEXT and NOTHING NEW
The collaboration between these studios aims to deliver a visually distinctive animated feature with a strong emotional core.
Japan Release Date
Following its successful international festival run, We Are Aliens will receive a nationwide theatrical release in Japan on September 25, 2026.
The film’s early festival recognition has already generated interest among animation fans and critics, making it one of the most closely watched original Japanese animated films of the year.
Why We Are Aliens Is Worth Watching
Unlike many animated films that focus primarily on fantasy or action, We Are Aliens centers on deeply human emotions and relationships. Through the evolving friendship between Tsubasa and Akitaro, the film examines universal experiences such as self-doubt, belonging, personal growth, and the impact of life-changing events.
Its growing list of international festival selections—including Cannes, Annecy, Melbourne, New Zealand, and Ottawa—suggests that the film’s emotional storytelling and artistic vision have resonated with audiences well beyond Japan.
As its September release approaches, We Are Aliens is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated original animated features, offering viewers a thoughtful and moving coming-of-age story with global appeal.
