Sunrise's 50th Anniversary Project 'Mirai e no Kōro' Announced: First Two Short Films Revealed
Bandai Namco Filmworks has shared the visual for the special project prepared to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary animation studio Sunrise, and also announced the series 'Mirai e no Kōro' (Road to the Future) consisting of six short films. The first two short films of the project have been set as 'Dice with Demon' and 'Metafear'.
These short films, each directed by different teams, aim to honor Sunrise's fifty-year legacy and carry the studio's creative vision into the future. Although details of the other four films remain undisclosed for now, the entire project is planned to be released between 2026 and 2027. The revealed key visual features a symbolic composition with traces of Sunrise's iconic works.
Since its founding in 1972, Sunrise has produced globally acclaimed works such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Code Geass, and Love Live!, reaching millions of fans worldwide. The studio turned 50 in 2022 and held various commemorative events at that time, but this project, moving into a new phase under Bandai Namco Filmworks, will showcase the studio's innovative spirit in short film format. It is stated that 'Mirai e no Kōro' brings together both Sunrise's past experience and new talent.
Although the genres and styles of the first two films 'Dice with Demon' and 'Metafear' have not yet been announced, given Sunrise's expertise in science fiction, mecha, and drama, it is not hard to predict that these short films will come with high production quality and original stories. The remaining four films of the project are expected to be announced in the coming months. For Sunrise fans, this is a light shining on the studio's half-century journey and a promising beginning.
