Brazilian Animation Project Wins Award at Japan Prize

Filmmaker Radhi Meron’s “Grandma Naná’s Fantastic Lab” Honored as “Outstanding Proposal”

The animation project “Grandma Naná’s Fantastic Lab,” a co-production between Oz Produtora and Circo Onírico, received the Outstanding Proposal Award at the Japan Prize – an internationally renowned educational television competition organized annually by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. The award recognizes productions that contribute to global education and cultural advancement.

Full winner details: https://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/more/2025/#winners

 （Photo: Radhi Meron pitching “Grandma Naná’s Fantastic Lab” at the Japan Prize in Tokyo, Japan | Courtesy）

Currently in development, the series “Grandma Naná’s Fantastic Lab” explains natural science concepts through playful experiments, targeting children aged 7 to 9. In addition to the trophy, the project will receive funding to produce a pilot episode, scheduled to be screened at the next Japan Prize edition in 2026.

About the Project

“Grandma Naná’s Fantastic Lab” is a 2D animated series in development. The story follows the daily adventures of the brilliant and irreverent scientist Nair Jatobá – known as Grandma Naná – who uses common kitchen objects to conduct fun scientific experiments and answer the endless questions her grandchildren Tito, Lina, and Didi have about the universe. Each episode concludes with a special live-action segment featuring real children replicating the day’s experiments.

Inspired by the creator’s relationship with her own grandmothers, the project aims to highlight everyday science and intergenerational knowledge. In an increasingly virtual world, the series encourages children to experiment with their own hands, rediscovering the joy of discovery. Character design is led by Radhi Meron, with backgrounds by artist Rebecca Monteiro.

Project Development Path

The project has previously been selected for the MAX MINAS Development Lab, the LAMP – Lanterna Mágica Animation Lab, and the São Paulo Audiovisual Hub Series Pitching. It has also participated in business rounds and one-on-one meetings at events including the Marché du Film (Cannes), the Quirino Awards for Ibero-American Animation Co-Production & Business Forum (Tenerife, Canary Islands), Rio2C, MAX – Minas Gerais Audiovisual Expo, and Lanterna Mágica.

For further information, please contact Executive Producer Recy Cazarotto at: cultura@ozprodutora.com.br

About the Japan Prize

Established by NHK in 1965, the Japan Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious awards dedicated to education and media. Its mission is to recognize works that use audiovisual media in innovative ways to promote learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and social development. Each year during the Tokyo festival, finalists from around the world take part in screenings, discussions, and workshops, forming a global network committed to transforming education through media.