Tatsuki Fujimoto's Early Work 'Two Chickens in the Garden' Selected for the Midnight Short Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026

Avex Pictures Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Hideo Katsumata) is pleased to announce that 'Two Chickens in the Garden,' an anime adaptation of an early work by Tatsuki Fujimoto—in which the company participated as a member of the production committee for planning, production, and distribution—has been officially selected for the 'Midnight Short Film Competition' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, established in 1960 after separating from the Cannes Film Festival, is the world's oldest and largest international film festival dedicated to animation. This year, it will be held from Sunday, June 21 to Saturday, June 27 (local time in France). The 'Midnight Short Film Competition,' where 'Two Chickens in the Garden' will be screened, is a competitive category that focuses on edgy, innovative, and unique short animations, including horror, thriller, and crime genres.

■ Annecy International Animation Film Festival Official Website

https://www.annecyfestival.com/en

'Two Chickens in the Garden' is an anime adaptation of a short story known as the first work Tatsuki Fujimoto submitted to a manga award, and it was released in 2025 as part of the 'Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26' collection.

'Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26' garnered significant attention for its unique creative structure, featuring eight works divided among seven directors and six animation studios, and it reached number one on the charts on its first day of exclusive global streaming on Prime Video. Furthermore, 'Two Chickens in the Garden' was nominated for the Short Film Competition at the 27th Bucheon International Animation Festival alongside 'Sikaku,' receiving high acclaim both domestically and internationally.

We will continue to strive to produce beloved anime and video works across diverse regions and fields, aiming to deliver their charm to the world.

■ Comment from Director/Screenwriter Seishiro Nagaya

I am delighted that this work will be screened at the historic Annecy festival. When I was producing it, I never imagined something like this would happen! Now, I only have fond memories of the experience. Thank you to all the staff and cast. And thank you, Tatsuki Fujimoto-sensei. I am still working hard on creating works, and this makes me feel a bit more inspired and disciplined.

■ About 'Two Chickens in the Garden'

An anime adaptation of a short story known as the first work Tatsuki Fujimoto submitted to a manga award.

The story is set on Earth, where humanity is said to have been wiped out after losing a war against aliens. Yohei, an alien student living there, is tasked with taking care of two chickens at school. Within their peaceful daily life, a secret is hidden regarding those chickens...

Directed and written by Seishiro Nagaya, with character design by Moaan. Animation production is by ZEXCS. The cast includes Kensho Ono, Shion Sakurai, Kazuki Ura, Kimiko Saito, and Mitsuo Iwata.