Film Label 'NOTHING NEW' Announces First Original Feature Animation 'We are Aliens' Selected for Annecy 2026 Feature Film Competition

The first original feature-length animation by the film label 'NOTHING NEW,' titled 'We are Aliens,' has been officially selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026.

Since its establishment in 2022, NOTHING NEW has produced works with Japan's emerging creators and sent them to domestic and international film festivals. Their upcoming live-action feature 'CHILLED' won the FIPRESCI Award at this year's Berlin International Film Festival. 'We are Aliens' marks the label's first original feature-length animation project.

### About the Annecy International Animation Film Festival The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, founded in 1960, is known as the world's largest and most historic animation festival, bringing together selected works from all over the world every year. The Feature Film Competition section, for which this work was selected, is the highest stage for awards such as the Grand Prix (Cristal for a Feature Film). Past Japanese winners include 'Porco Rosso,' 'Pom Poko,' and 'Lu Over the Wall.'

### Statement from Director Kohei Kadowaki 'The Annecy International Animation Film Festival was a stage I had always dreamt of. When I first heard that we were selected for this year's Feature Film Competition, I was so surprised that it didn't feel real, but gradually the joy started to well up. It's been 10 years since I started making animation on my own in university, not knowing anything. Thinking that I can finally go to that place makes me feel deeply moved. I hope this work reaches as many people as possible through the festival.'

### About 'We are Aliens' **STORY:** A rural town in Japan during the Heisei era. Tsubasa, a shy boy struggling with his desire to be 'normal,' meets and becomes best friends with Kotaro, a 'special' and popular boy in the spring of their third year in elementary school. As they spend time together, their everyday life gradually begins to warp. Kotaro becomes an outcast in class, and while Tsubasa notices the change, he is unable to do anything, leading to an irreversible event. 'What if I were an alien?'—What is the meaning behind those words? A unique mystery of youth where nostalgia and unease intersect.

**Credits:** - Title: We are Aliens - Release Date: 2026 Theatrical Release - Planning/Screenplay/Director: Kohei Kadowaki - Cast: Ryota Bando, Yuki Okayama (W Starring) - Music: Yaffle - Copyright: ©NOTHING NEW, MIYU PRODUCTIONS - Production: NOTHING NEW - Cooperation: MIYU PRODUCTIONS - Official Site: https://nothingnew.film/wearealiens/

### Company Profile: NOTHING NEW A film label established in 2022 with the aim of creating a world where talent is not crushed. Upcoming works for 2026 include 'Miyuki Sawada's Visit to GAMA-LAND' (Director: Koki Nishii / April 24 Release), NOTHING NEW's first live-action feature 'CHILLED' (Director: Yusuke Iwasaki / July 17 Release), and the original feature animation 'We are Aliens' (Director: Kohei Kadowaki) selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival Competition.