© Arai Ryoji/NHK/NEP, Aniplex Inc.

10th Animation Division Excellence Award

A COUNTRY BETWEEN THE WORLD

Animated short film [Japan]

WADA Toshikatsu / Original author: ARAI Ryoji

Reason for Award

This is without doubt a masterpiece. I don’t believe that any previous animations have ever achieved feelings as relaxing, heart-warming, and cozy as this work. WADA Toshikatsu, the director, reproduced the world of ARAI Ryoji, the picture book artist, as an animation using the digital paper cutout method. WADA amusingly illustrates a story of Polta and his friends. His outstanding technique in paper cutout animation reminds me of the sharp, avant-garde edge of Norman MCLAREN, the Canadian animator as well as the sophisticated sensitivity of Bretislav POJAR, the Czech animator. WADA Toshikatsu is an exceptionally talented animator!