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, has been officially selected for the 'Midnight Short Film Competition' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026. Avex Pictures participated in the production committee as a lead planner, producer, and distributor. The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, established in 1960 after separating from the Cannes Film Festival, is the world's oldest and largest international 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 focusing 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 adaptation of a short story known as the first work Tatsuki Fujimoto ever submitted to a manga award, and 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 reached number one on Prime Video on its first day of global exclusive streaming. 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 remain committed to producing beloved anime and visual works across diverse regions and fields, aiming to deliver their appeal to the world. ■ Comment from Director/Screenwriter Seishiro Nagaya I am delighted that this work will be screened at the historic Annecy festival. I never imagined this would happen when we were in production! Now, I only have fond memories of the process. Thank you to all the staff and cast. And thank you, Tatsuki Fujimoto-sensei. I am still working hard on creating new works, and this gives me a renewed sense of purpose. ■ 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. Hidden within their peaceful daily life, the chickens hold a certain secret... Directed and written by Seishiro Nagaya, with character design by Moaan. Animation production by ZEXCS. The cast includes Kensho Ono, Shion Sakurai, Kazuki Ura, Kimiko Saito, and Mitsuo Iwata.