Japanese Animation ‘The Concierge’ Makes Its Spanish Debut at Animac 2024
Short Summary:
Animac, the International Animation Film Exhibition of Catalonia, will premiere 'The Concierge' (Japan, 2023) by Yoshimi Itazu, a film adaptation of the manga "The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store". This event, organized by Lleida City Council, targets young audiences with free entry for 12 to 18-year-olds to several screenings, including 'Sand Land' (Japan, 2023), 'Mars Express' (France, 2023), and 'Four Souls of Coyote' (Hungary, 2023).The city of Lleida is set to host the Spanish premiere of the animated film 'The Concierge', directed by Yoshimi Itazu and produced by the renowned Japanese studio Production I.G. This event is part of the 2024 edition of Animac, the International Animation Film Exhibition of Catalonia, which focuses on showcasing a diverse range of animation films to a broad audience. The festival is scheduled to take place from February 15 to 18, offering a special segment called ANIMAC Teen, targeting younger audiences between the ages of 12 and 18.
'The Concierge' is an adaptation of the popular manga "The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store" by Tsuchika Nishimura, which won the 2022 Excellence Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival. The story follows Akino, a trainee janitor at a unique department store serving animal customers, as she navigates various challenges to fulfill their needs and wishes. This film is slated for screening on February 17 at the Sala Ricard Viñes in La Llotja.
In addition to 'The Concierge', Animac Teen will feature other films including 'Sand Land' (Japan, 2023), an adaptation of the manga by Akira Toriyama, directed by Toshihisa Yokoshima. This film is a fast-paced adventure intertwining the lives of humans and demons, scheduled for viewing on February 18. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to watch 'Mars Express' (France, 2023), a sci-fi thriller directed by Jérémie Périn, and 'Four Souls of Coyote' (Hungary, 2023), an epic adventure by Áron Gauder focusing on the past and present of a Native American community. Both of these screenings aim to provide the younger audience with free access to a diverse selection of animated films from around the world.
This initiative by the Lleida City Council and the organizers of Animac aims to cultivate an appreciation for animation among young audiences, offering them a unique opportunity to experience international films that they might not otherwise have access to. By including a mix of genres and styles, from fantasy and adventure to sci-fi thrillers, Animac 2024 is set to be a memorable event for animation enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
