© 2014 Masami Kurumada/Source: Toei Co., Ltd. press release Official Site: saintseiya2014.com (Japan) Toei Animation’s upcoming CGI feature film, SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY (????? LEGEND of SANCTUARY, Seinto Seiya Legend of Sanctuary) will receive its worldwide premiere at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, as the film is officially screened on June 11 at 8:30 PM. The Annecy International Animat ion Film Festival , which takes place from June 9 to 14 in Annecy, France, recognizes the most visually striking and acclaimed animated films of the year. It will be part of the prestigious “Séances événements”, out of competition daily screenings of the festival. SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY is the highly anticipated 3D, CGI feature film based on the iconic manga and television series from the 1980’s. Broadcasted in over 80 countries, along with 34 million copies of the manga sold, Saint Seiya spearheaded anime’s global popularity. Directed by famed Japanese animated filmmaker, Keiichi Sato and executive produced by its original creator, Masami Kurumada, SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY is a modern retelling of the series acclaimed “Sanctuary Saga” arc, which sees the Saints fighting against an order to save the Princess Athena from an impending death. Featuring intense action, powerful drama and music from legendary J-Pop star, Yoshiki, SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY is an unprecedented cinematic achievement from the world’s most respected anime powerhouse. To be released in Japan on June 21, the film will premiere at Annecy in its original Japanese, with English subtitles. “We are truly excited to premier SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY to Annecy’s prestigious global audience,” said Iriya Azuma, Director of Global Licensing Business Department, Toei Animation Co., Ltd. “From start to finish, this film has been a work of intense , creative passion from everyone involved. Using the latest CGI and filmmaking t echniques, along with incredibly talented animators and writers, we hope that SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY will delight fans and intrigue new viewers.”
About Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and representative office in Shanghai, Toei Animation ranks amongst the world’s most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation’s operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since its founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 10,000 episodes of TV series (more than 200 titles) and more than 200 long feature films as of March, 2013.
For more information on SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: