Yasahiro Aoki's New Film 'Chao' Selected as Opening Film of Bucheon Animation Festival

A Handcrafted Tale of Love Between a Human and a Mermaid
Nine Years in the Making

Director Yasahiro Aoki's new film 'Chao' has been selected as the opening film of the Bucheon International Animation Festival.

Director Yasahiro Aoki's New Work 'Chao' Still Cut

According to the organizing committee on September 1, the film is set in a future world where humans and mermaids coexist, depicting the love and conflict between an ordinary office worker named Stephan and Chao, a mermaid princess. With distinctive animation and a captivating narrative, the film unfolds a fantastical future world of mermaids and humans. Notably, it is acclaimed for having brought to life a vibrant world where various races coexist, completing 100,000 hand-drawn key frames over nine years.

Director Yasahiro Aoki, who took the helm, has been recognized for his originality through his work on key animation, illustration, and direction in titles such as 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' and 'Sailor Moon.' He also gained international attention by winning the Feature Film Jury Prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

This year's Bucheon International Animation Festival will be held for five days from October 24 at the Webtoon Convergence Center, CGV Bucheon, Korea Manhwa Museum, Bucheon Art Center, and Bucheon City Hall.