Source: Tokyo International Film Festival press release Official GUNDAM Site: gundam.jp (Japan) Following the last year’s hugely popular special screenings of “The World of Hideaki Anno”, the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) will continue to focus on Japanese animation in 2015 with a special program of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (????????, Kidoo Senshi Gandamu), a monumental work of robot animation. This will be the first-ever major screening occasion to showcase the GUNDAM franchise as well as the first time in TIFF history that the festival will present special screening of animated works specific to a single series. It is nearly 35 years since the theatrical version of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM was released. Numerous works, whose creators have publicly stated they were influenced by GUNDAM, have been worldwide big hits. One such work, the Guillermo del Toro-directed PACIFIC RIM (2013), remains fresh in audiences` minds, and thus the influence of GUNDAM continues to reverberate throughout the world. In addition to screening the memorable first theatrical-released film and the legend, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM ?(???????? I, Kidoo Senshi Gandamu I, 1981) directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the festival plans to screen a few dozen works of TV series episodes, other films released in theaters, and shorts that have very rarely appeared on the big screen. Befitting the first-ever major screening of GUNDAM, the franchise’s creators -- ranging from those in its early days to those of its latest installments -- will appear on stage. Several other special events that would only be possible at this festival will be held. Recently, creative works that are uniquely Japanese -- as well as Japanese culture overall -- have been the subject of much attention. GUNDAM is the grandfather of the animated robot genre that Japan is proud to have offered to the world. Through the presentation of this special animation program -- which continues to have a profound effect on the way people in Japan perceive the future and outer space -- the Tokyo International Film Festival will show the world the diversity that exists within Japanese culture and help to popularize the rich and complex charm of the country worldwide. The festival has arranged a variety of events to allow as many visitors as possible to attend. These events will transform Tokyo into a place for celebrating film and culture! The 28th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held from October 22 to 31, 2015 at Roppongi Hills and other venues in Tokyo. About GUNDAM The first work in the GUNDAM franchise, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (1979-1980), is set in the “Universal Century,” when overpopulation has forced part of humanity to immigrate from Earth to Space. During a war for independence declared against the Earth Federation by the nation of space migrants, the “Principality of Zeon,” a young boy, Amuro Ray, pilots the Federation`s new weapon -- the Gundam -- and grows up in the heat of battle. The series features numerous characters with unique personalities, including Char of the Zeon army, who goes by the nom de guerre “The Red Comet.” The famous lines said by these characters sparked conversations throughout Japan. This animated TV series began broadcasting in April 1979. The show created a minor sensation, which transformed into a social phenomenon with the 1980 release of “Gunpla” -- plastic models based on the franchise -- and a trilogy of theatrical films from 1981. The appeal of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM -- the realistic near-future SF setting; the scenes of the human-piloted, humanoid shaped “Mobile Suits” fighting; and a layered wartime human drama -- enraptured countless fans, turning existing perceptions of animated works about robots on their head. Related Information: ? The newest TV series MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: BLOOD AND IRON ORPHANS (???????? ?????????, Kidoo Senshi Gandamu Tekketsu no Orufenzu), will be broadcasted on 28 stations MBS/TBS networks across Japan weekly, on Sundays at 5:00 pm from October 4. ? The newest theatrical OVA series MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THE ORIGIN II: ARTESIA`S SORROW (???????? THE ORIGIN ? ??????????, Kidoo Senshi Gandamu THE ORIGIN ? Kanashimi no Aruteishia), will be screened as a limited two-week event in 15 theaters throughout Japan from October 31. ? ”The Art of Gundam,” an exhibition on MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM at the Mori Arts Center Gallery (Event Dates: July 18-September 27, 2015) ? ”Mechanic Designer Okawara Kunio Exhibition” at the Ueno Royal Museum (Event Dates: August 8-September 27, 2015)

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About Tokyo International Film Festival

The 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) will be held from October 22 (Thu.) to October 31 (Sat.), 2015, at Roppongi Hills and other venues in Tokyo. This is one day longer than the festivals of previous years. Last year, the 27th TIFF expanded the venues and screenings and drew 223,912 people--84% more than in the previous year! The 28th TIFF will bring more film excitement to draw even more film fans from around the world. With your support, the 28th TIFF is sure to be an even bigger success! For more information, visit 2015.tiff-jp.net.

About Sunrise, Inc.

Sunrise Inc. a Namco Bandai Group Company, is an animation production studio which produces smash hit anime series like the original MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM, and all of the subsequent series in the GUNDAM franchise, as well as COWBOY BEBOP, ESCAFLOWNE, CODE GEASS, TIGER & BUNNY, and many more. The company is located in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan and was established in 1972. The President and CEO is Mr. Yasuo Miyakawa. For more information, visit sunrise-inc.co.jp.