Ryû to sobakasu no hime

Belle

from 12 y/o
Japan
2021
120’

Japanese

Suzu is a 17-year-old high-school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of five billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.

Competition

Hosoda Mamoru

He was born in Toyama. After graduating from Kanazawa Art College, Mamoru joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation Co., Ltd.) as an animator. With Mirai, Mamoru’s animation talent gained international recognition. Mirai was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Film category, as well as for the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes, and won Best Independent Animation Award at the 46th Annie Awards.