Annecy Classics: Space Battleship Yamato: Resurrection

Created by Leiji Matsumoto, Yamato was a phenomenally successful series that caused a small revolution in Japan. The science-fiction saga appeared on Japanese TV in 1974, and became such a passionate pastime that it stole the limelight from the first episode of Star Wars, whose theatrical release just happened to coincide with the first film adaptation of the series.

Also known as Space Cruiser Yamato, the series presents the futuristic adventures of the eponymous spacecraft that is travelling the universe in 2199 to fight against alien civilisations that are threatening the human race.

Yoshinobu Nishizaki’s feature, Space Battleship Yamato: Resurrection, was released in 2009. This time, the story is set in 2220 and the Earth is in danger of being destroyed by a black hole. A plan has been put in place to move over 300 million inhabitants away from the planet. After the last fleet is attacked, the battleship is now under the command of Susumu Kodai, with Susumu and Yuki’s daughter Miyuki on board.

For the 100^th anniversary of Japanese animation, and in readiness for the release of Space Battleship Yamato 2202, the second film in the saga that resumes the series from the 70s, the Festival invites you aboard this legendary battleship.

"Short Cuts" Arte Court-circuit

As an opener to this Annecy Classics special programme, discover an animated short based on a classic film and made as part of "Short Cuts" from Arte’s Court-circuit: Short Cuts "Roman Polanski’s The Pianist", animated by Franck Dion.