“HIDARI,” a Stop-Motion Samurai Film in Development by dwarf, Selected for the Annecy Animation Showcase at the 79th Cannes Film Festival
～Director Masashi Kawamura and Producer Noriko Matsumoto to Present and Screen the Project on May 17～
HIDARI, a stop-motion samurai film currently in development by dwarf studios, AOI Pro. Inc. in collaboration with Whatever and TECARAT, has been selected for Cannes Animation at the Marché du Film (May 12–20, 2026), held in conjunction with the 79th Cannes Film Festival (May 12–23, 2026).
On May 17, 2026 (local time), Masashi Kawamura (creator, writer, and director) will take the stage in Cannes alongside producer Noriko Matsumoto. As part of the Annecy Animation Showcase, one of the main programs of Cannes Animation, they will screen the proof-of-concept film and present the current status and future vision for HIDARI as a feature-length film.
HIDARI is a stop-motion period film inspired by the legendary sculptor Hidari Jingoro, a mysterious figure whose existence remains uncertain. Brought to life through intricately carved wooden puppets, the film reflects the spirit of his craft. The pilot has surpassed 4.9 million views on YouTube and gained over 120,000 subscribers, drawing global attention across social media and press. It has also received numerous awards at more than 20 film festivals worldwide.
The project has been selected for the “Film Frontier – Feature Animation Creator Support” program, part of the Cultural Arts Activity Infrastructure Enhancement Fund (Creator Support Fund), administered by the Japan Arts Council with funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Japan), and is currently being developed with this support.
Produced by dwarf, HIDARI is co-developed by three companies: dwarf, Whatever, a creative studio led by director Masashi Kawamura, and TECARAT—two studios internationally recognized in the field of stop-motion, joining forces in a rare collaboration.
On the financing front, the project is supported by Questry, a content finance company focused on bringing original Japanese content to global audiences. The team is actively seeking additional partners and collaborators as development progresses.
Dwarf will be participating in the Annecy Animation Showcase as part of Cannes Animation for the second consecutive year, following last year’s selection of Sunny(based on the manga by Taiyo Matsumoto, selected in 2025 and also produced by dwarf). As one of five selected projects worldwide, this is believed to be the first time a studio has been selected for the Showcase in consecutive years.
Cannes Animation is a dedicated program within the Marché du Film, the world’s largest film market held alongside the Cannes Film Festival.
In partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the Annecy Animation Showcase presents five carefully selected animation projects from around the world, offering opportunities for presentations, panel discussions, and networking.
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Synopsis
Set in Edo-period Japan, HIDARI weaves together real historical events and figures with original characters to tell a story of revenge.
Jingoro, a master craftsman of his time, is caught in a conspiracy during the reconstruction of Edo Castle, losing his mentor, the woman he loves, and even his right arm.
Barely surviving, Jingoro is transformed into an agent of vengeance. Replacing his lost arm with a weaponized prosthetic, the tools he once used to carve wood are reborn as instruments of destruction. Accompanied by his partner, the “Sleeping Cat,” he sets out on a journey of revenge—only to find himself drawn into an even greater conspiracy.
Power struggles within the shogunate, advancing mechanical soldiers, and a transforming Edo Castle all threaten to consume him. As everything closes in, something within him begins to change.
HIDARI is a story of revenge and rebirth—of a man who once lived to create, only to lose himself in destruction, and ultimately rediscover both himself and the meaning of his life.
Project Overview
HIDARI (Stop-Motion Samurai Film)
Genre: Action / Drama
Format / Length: Stop-motion / 90 minutes
Director & Writer: Masashi Kawamura
Co-Director & Character Design: Iku Ogawa
Character & Wood Sculpture / Production Design: Takeshi Yashiro
Producers: Noriko Matsumoto / Yusuke Tominaga / Masami Ouchi and others
Production: dwarf studios / Whatever Co. / TECARAT
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Video Materials
Proof-of-Concept Film (5:32): https://youtu.be/DpefYPLH67A
Making-of Video: https://youtu.be/VHO6rTyyG6M
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Official Links
Official Website: https://hidari-movie.com
X (Twitter): https://x.com/hidari_movie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidari_movie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamhidari
©︎dwarf/Whatever Co./TECARAT
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It is a great honor to participate in the Cannes Film Festival in this way—something I have long dreamed of. Since completing the proof-of-concept film, our team has been continuously working on developing the feature screenplay and building partnerships.
Creating a period action film using hand-carved wooden puppets, animated frame by frame, with the intensity of anime—this is a uniquely Japanese form of expression. Through this opportunity at the Annecy Animation Showcase, we hope to share our passion for this project with film professionals around the world.
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It has been three years since we completed the proof-of-concept film. Being given the opportunity to pitch at the Annecy Animation Showcase within Cannes Animation is incredibly meaningful, as it reflects the belief and expectations that HIDARI can become a feature-length film with a powerful story.
As a producer specializing in stop-motion animation, I have worked on many projects, but this one represents a challenge on an unprecedented scale. Through this opportunity, I hope to share not only the full scope of the story, but also the exciting journey we are on—and to find partners from around the world to help bring this project to life.
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Founded in September 2003, dwarf is an animation studio internationally recognized for its high-quality stop-motion works. The studio has created numerous characters and original content, including NHK’s iconic character Domo, and has earned acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
In addition to original titles such as Komaneko, which enjoyed a long theatrical run in France, and Mogu & Perol, a CG series co-produced with France and Taiwan, dwarf actively collaborates with a wide range of popular characters and major IPs.
Recent works include the Netflix series Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019), Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure (2022), Pokémon Concierge, and the short film Bottle George, a collaboration between Akihiro Nishino and Daisuke Tsutsumi, which was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards.
URL: https://dw-f.jp/
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Please see AOI Pro.'s news release for more details.