The Legend of Tekkonkinkreet Returns: Special Screenings in 35mm Film Format Begin
There is news full of nostalgia for fans of Tekkonkinkreet, one of the most unique productions in the animation world! Adapted from Taiyo Matsumoto's award-winning manga and revolutionizing the medium with its visual language, the film is returning to select theaters in Japan with its original 35mm film prints. This special event aims to provide audiences with the unique grainy texture and atmosphere of the 2006 premiere, going beyond digital restorations. Due to demand being much higher than expected, organizers have announced that they are expanding the list of theaters where the screenings will take place.
First meeting audiences in 2006, Tekkonkinkreet was brought to life by Studio 4°C, known for their experimental works. Director Michael Arias went down in industry history as the first foreigner to direct a Japanese animated film. The film tells the story of two orphan children named Black (Kuro) and White (Shiro) trying to survive on the streets of "Treasure Town" (Takaramachi). With its unique visual style and deep philosophical subtext, the production proved its success by winning "Animation of the Year" at the 2007 Japan Academy Film Prize.
The creator of the work, Taiyo Matsumoto, is a highly original artist known for works like "Ping Pong" and "Sunny," who steps outside the mainstream manga style. The success of Tekkonkinkreet comes not only from its story but also from the detailed background drawings that reflect the chaotic structure of the city and the inner worlds of the characters. These new screenings in 35mm film format offer an unmissable opportunity for cinephiles who want to experience the warmth of analog film and the artistic choices of that period, rather than the sharpness of digital. When combined with the sounds of the British electronic duo Plaid, who composed the film's music, a complete sensory feast awaits the audience.
Such "revival" screenings have become quite popular in Japan in recent years. Presenting productions that have reached cult status in analog format, especially during anniversaries or special events, brings together both old fans and a new generation who have never seen these masterpieces on the big screen. Organized in collaboration with Filmarks, this event once again shows how valuable physical media and the cinema experience are, even in the digital age. If your path takes you to Japan during this period, looking into the surreal world of Black and White through a 35mm window will be an unforgettable experience.
