My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin Director Explains Why She Avoided Anime Style
Celia Catunda, director of the Brazilian-Japanese animated feature "My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin," said she deliberately avoided making the film in an anime style, instead aiming to create a visual blend of Japanese and Brazilian traditions. Speaking ahead of the film's premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Catunda explained that while many asked if the project would be anime, she wanted to forge a distinct look. The film follows Noboru, a boy from São Paulo who learns about his Japanese heritage through his grandfather Hideo. It is based on the novel by Oscar Nakasato and draws on Catunda's own experiences growing up with friends of Japanese descent. Catunda, who does not have Japanese heritage, worked with creative consultants to avoid stereotypes, particularly in character gestures and music. The score combines Japanese sounds with Brazilian countryside music. The film is produced by Catunda's company Pinguim Content and is set to screen at multiple festivals after its Annecy debut. Catunda cited the recent Oscar win for the Latvian film "Flow" as a positive sign for independent animation.