The highly anticipated French-Japanese animated film Ghost Cat Anzu will begin its U.K. screenings this Sunday, February 9, 2025, as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme. The film is one of 26 Japanese productions included in this year’s touring series, which offers a unique opportunity for audiences to experience contemporary Japanese cinema across multiple venues.
Ghost Cat Anzu follows the story of 11-year-old Karin (voiced by Noa Gotō), who finds herself reluctantly staying at her grandfather’s temple while her father runs from loan sharks. Her stay becomes even more unusual when she meets Anzu (voiced by Mirai Moriyama), a bipedal, talking, 37-year-old ghost cat (bakeneko), who works as a part-time chiropractor and enjoys the occasional trip to a pachinko parlour.
At first, Anzu is reluctant to take care of Karin, but when he learns of her longing to be with her deceased mother on the anniversary of her death, the two embark on a magical journey that takes them to unexpected realms, including the underworld. Directed by Yōko Kuno, the film combines vibrant animation with a quirky narrative, bringing the fantastical world of yokai (ghosts) to life.
Both Moriyama and Gotō contributed to the film by acting out the characters’ movements for reference during animation, and their vocal performances were recorded alongside their movements for a more immersive experience.
As part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme, Ghost Cat Anzu will be screened at various venues across the U.K., including:
- QUAD, Derby – February 9 at 6:45 p.m.
- King Street Cinema, Ipswich – February 13 at 7:30 p.m.
- Firstsite Cinema, Colchester – February 15 at 2:00 p.m.
- Institute of Contemporary Art, London – February 15 at 3:30 p.m.
- Depot, Lewes – February 15 at 6:00 p.m.
- Storyhouse, Chester – February 16 at 5:00 p.m.
- Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds – February 22 at 2:00 p.m.
- Showroom Cinema, Sheffield – February 23 at 12:30 p.m.
- The Dukes, Lancaster – February 23 at 1:30 p.m.
- Cube Cinema, Bristol – February 23 at 5:00 p.m.
- HOME Cinema, Manchester – March 1 at 1:00 p.m.
- Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast – March 2 at 3:00 p.m.
- Dundee Contemporary Arts – March 2 at 3:45 p.m.
- Broadway, Nottingham – March 15
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre – March 16
- Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle – March 19 at 8:15 p.m.
- Eden Court, Inverness – March 22
- Chichester Cinema – March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
- Phoenix, Leicester – March 29
- Exeter Phoenix – March 29 at 4:00 p.m.
- Brewery Arts Cinema, Kendal – March 29 at 5:00 p.m.
For further details on the full schedule, visit the Japan Foundation website.
Related Topics
- 7 Best Anime by Bibury Animation Studios, Ranked
- One Piece: Is Law’s Crew Really That Weak?
- Demon Slayer: Tengen Uzui’s Sound Breathing, Explained
