From Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell, Kill Bill Vol.1) comes the award winning, Giovanni’s Island. A true never before told WWII story, this dramatic and heart-warming animated film about cross-cultural friendship among children in the aftermath of the war is due to receive its UK premiere at the London Film Festival this October.

Mizuho Nishikubo (Director)
Kota Yokoyama (Junpei)
Polina Ilyushenko (Tanya)
Junya Taniai (Kanta)

“On August 15th, they told us we had lost the war. At that time, we did not really understand. Then one day, everything changed. Many soldiers, wearing uniforms we had never seen before, arrived on the island. That was the day I met Tanya.”

In the aftermath of the most devastating conflict mankind had ever experienced, the tiny island of Shikotan became part of the Sakhalin Oblast… and on the unhealed border of this remote corner of the world, friendship among children from two different countries timidly blossomed, striving to overcome language barriers and the waves of history.

Junpei (10) and Kanta (7) are two brothers who live with their father Tatsuo on Shikotan, a tiny island off the northernmost shores of Japan. As Japan surrender on August 15, 1945, the island becomes Soviet Union territory, and for the Japanese community, a new life with the Soviet citizens who have moved onto the island begins...

True to their reputation of masterful storytelling and quality animation, Production I.G achieve effortless elegance in this never before been told story. Exploring the theme of the toll of human conflict, and done so with stunning visuals, Giovanni’s Island succeeds in bringing a feeling of hope and positivity despite the heart wrenching and moving subject. Indeed, it is hard not to fall in love with the striking hand drawn artwork alone. It is extraordinary to think that it is a tale still unknown to the West, we are happy to say that finally, this emotionally engaging story can be re-told on the big screen.

The hand drawn animation is downright beautiful - Kotaku.com

“affecting and deeply moving” - TwitchFilm

“Blends different animation styles with poetic charm.” ★★★★ Studio Cine Live