Hey guys, I'm just going to add this here so that you don't need to fully rely on MTL:
**Animated Film “A New Dawn” Officially Selected for the Berlin International Film Festival**
The animated film “A New Dawn” has been officially selected for Competition at the up-coming 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) held later this February in Berlin, Germany. This event, considered one of the world’s three major film festival alongside Cannes and Venice, has recognized many directors throughout the years, including Akira Kurosawa, Yōji Yamada, and Nobuhiko Ōbayashi. In animation, Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” won the festival’s top award, the Golden Bear, while three years ago Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume” was also entered into the Competition.
“A New Dawn” is the first feature-length animated film by Yoshitoshi Shinoimiya, who serves as the original creator, scriptwriter, and director. While also contributing to works by Makoto Shinkai and Sunao Katabuchi, Shinoimiya has worked as a Nihonga-style painter. Not only is it rare for a feature-length directorial debut to be selected for the Competition, but also for a Japanese film, this is the first time one has been selected in 33 years.
Shinoimiya commented, “I believe it’s thanks to those who sat beside me with their hands constantly moving about their desks, those involved with the voices and sound, and the countless possibilities that came together and merged on screen, that the film has reached Berlin.”
**Comments from the main cast:**
**Rikuto Hagiwara (Keitaro):**
I was so happy to hear the film was recognized at such a prestigious festival, especially to have been part of its production.
**Kotone Furukawa (Kaoru):**
To Director Shinoimiya and to all the staff who poured in their time and care: I’d like to to offer my heartfelt applause.
“A New Dawn” will premiere in Japan on March 6. The film depicts Keitaro, who was raised in a fireworks shop facing imminent compulsory eviction, as he attempts to complete the legendary firework “Shuhari.”
**Comment from Yoshitoshi Shinoimiya (Original Creator / Scriptwriter / Director):**
I believe it’s thanks to those who sat beside me with their hands constantly moving about their desks, those involved with the voices and sound, and the countless possibilities that came together and merged on screen, that the film has reached Berlin.
This very small story will make a full revolution around the world and return to Japan in March. When it does, I believe people will be able to enjoy a story that resonates universally.
If this is the first time you’ve heard of “A New Dawn”, I’d be delighted if it becomes one of the reasons for you to see it in theaters.
Commentaires
**Animated Film “A New Dawn” Officially Selected for the Berlin International Film Festival**
The animated film “A New Dawn” has been officially selected for Competition at the up-coming 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) held later this February in Berlin, Germany. This event, considered one of the world’s three major film festival alongside Cannes and Venice, has recognized many directors throughout the years, including Akira Kurosawa, Yōji Yamada, and Nobuhiko Ōbayashi. In animation, Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” won the festival’s top award, the Golden Bear, while three years ago Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume” was also entered into the Competition.
“A New Dawn” is the first feature-length animated film by Yoshitoshi Shinoimiya, who serves as the original creator, scriptwriter, and director. While also contributing to works by Makoto Shinkai and Sunao Katabuchi, Shinoimiya has worked as a Nihonga-style painter. Not only is it rare for a feature-length directorial debut to be selected for the Competition, but also for a Japanese film, this is the first time one has been selected in 33 years.
Shinoimiya commented, “I believe it’s thanks to those who sat beside me with their hands constantly moving about their desks, those involved with the voices and sound, and the countless possibilities that came together and merged on screen, that the film has reached Berlin.”
**Comments from the main cast:**
**Rikuto Hagiwara (Keitaro):**
I was so happy to hear the film was recognized at such a prestigious festival, especially to have been part of its production.
**Kotone Furukawa (Kaoru):**
To Director Shinoimiya and to all the staff who poured in their time and care: I’d like to to offer my heartfelt applause.
“A New Dawn” will premiere in Japan on March 6. The film depicts Keitaro, who was raised in a fireworks shop facing imminent compulsory eviction, as he attempts to complete the legendary firework “Shuhari.”
**Comment from Yoshitoshi Shinoimiya (Original Creator / Scriptwriter / Director):**
I believe it’s thanks to those who sat beside me with their hands constantly moving about their desks, those involved with the voices and sound, and the countless possibilities that came together and merged on screen, that the film has reached Berlin.
This very small story will make a full revolution around the world and return to Japan in March. When it does, I believe people will be able to enjoy a story that resonates universally.
If this is the first time you’ve heard of “A New Dawn”, I’d be delighted if it becomes one of the reasons for you to see it in theaters.
**Related Links:**
* [https://www.berlinale.de/en/2026/programme/202602554.html](https://www.berlinale.de/en/2026/programme/202602554.html)
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihonga)