Masaaki Yuasa, the Mifa Campus Patron

Masaaki Yuasa, the Mifa Campus Patron

Every year, the International Animation Film Market (Mifa) dedicates a full day to young animators and students. An iconic personality from the world of animation brings support to this Mifa Campus, and in so doing transmits inspiration and encouragement to those attending. Esteemed japanese Director Masaaki Yuasa has accepted to be the patron of this new edition, to be held on Friday 17th June. At the same time, he will be presenting his highly anticipated latest film INU-OH at a Screening Event.

Following in the footsteps of Mexican Guillermo Del Toro, American Richard Williams, Irish Nora Twomey and Franco-Ivoirian Marguerite Abouet, is Masaaki Yuasa, Japanese Director of Mind Game, and in particular awarded the Cristal for a Feature Film in 2017 for Lu Over the Wall, will be coming lakeside to discuss with the future talents.­

An Extraordinary Masterclass

On Friday 17th June, those participating in the Mifa Campus will be lucky enough to attend a Masterclass with one of the most inspiring contemporary directors.

This is a unique opportunity to dive into the lavish world of Masaaki Yuasa, a virtuoso of motion and an iconoclast in visual storytelling. Anime Limited, distributor of Yuasa’s many films and TV shows in France and the UK, describes the director as “animation’s most psychedelic mind”. The Anime Limited staff has seen firsthand how powerful Mr. Yuasa’s works have affected audiences across theatrical screenings, fan conventions, and festivals in the country and are eager for him to share even greater insights with the young animators and enthusiasts at Mifa.

In an hour-long presentation, director Yuasa will describe his journey, his influences and he will share his rich filmography experience of more than twenty series and feature films.

About Masaaki Yuasa

Animated film director Masaaki Yuasa was born in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan in 1965. He made his feature-length debut in 2004 with Mind Game, which won awards in Japan and overseas, including 6 prizes such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Script, at the 2005 Fantasia International Film Festival

His film Lu Over the Wall won the Cristal for Best Feature Film at the 2017 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. His latest film Ride Your Wave won the Award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2019 Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival and was also nominated for a 2021 Annie Award. In addition, his latest series Japan Sinks: 2020 won the Jury Award for a TV Series at the 2021 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

His other major works include Ping Pong: The Animation, Night Is Short, Walk on Girl, Devilman: Crybaby, and Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!

Discover the full Mifa Campus programme in May.