We Are Aliens and the New Generation of Japanese Film

Go behind the scenes of the acclaimed animated feature We Are Aliens with director Kōhei Kadowaki and producer Kentaro Hayashi. This masterclass offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a new generation of independent Japanese filmmakers as they share the creative, artistic and practical realities of bringing original stories to the screen. Moderated by award-winning creative director/producer, curator and animation academic Deborah Szapiro (UTS), the session will trace the journey of We Are Aliens from concept to completed feature film through discussion, production materials and case studies. The conversation will also draw on Kentaro Hayashi's experience producing the award-winning feature AnyMart and building the independent production company NOTHING NEW, providing valuable insight into contemporary filmmaking and animation production in Japan. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A.