Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi's Original Animated Feature 'KILLTUBE' Selected for 'Work in Progress' at Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
CHOCOLATE Inc.'s original anime film 'KILLTUBE', scheduled for completion in 2026, has been selected for the 'Work in Progress' section at the 50th Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The film represents a 1 billion yen original IP investment.
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CHOCOLATE Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yusuke Watanabe) is pleased to announce that the original animated feature film 'KILLTUBE' (Director: Kazuaki Kuribayashi / Scheduled for completion in 2026) has been selected for the 'Work in Progress (WIP)' section of the 50th Annecy International Animation Film Festival (scheduled to be held from June 21 to June 27, 2026) in France.
The 'Work in Progress' section, for which 'KILLTUBE' has been selected this time, garners high attention alongside the competition within the film festival. It is a section where creators themselves introduce the production process and the latest footage of in-production animated works selected from all over the world. During the festival, Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and others are scheduled to give a presentation on-site in Annecy.
Since this project was announced in April 2024 as a large-scale endeavor with a total production cost of 1 billion yen, the released teaser videos have surpassed a total of 5 million views. Production is vigorously underway with the goal of nurturing an original film within the Japanese anime industry.
■ What is 'Work in Progress' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival?
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, established in 1960 when the animation section of the Cannes Film Festival became independent, is one of the world's largest and most prestigious animation film festivals. Within it, the 'Work in Progress (WIP)' session has been the platform where numerous highly anticipated works have been presented before their completion.
It has been announced that for the 2025 edition, there were over 3,900 visual work entries (total across all sections) from 100 countries worldwide.
■ Overview of Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
Dates: June 21 - June 27, 2026
Location: Annecy, France
Official Website: https://www.annecyfestival.com/
■ Presenter Profile
Planning and Director
Kazuaki Kuribayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.)
CCO / Planner at CHOCOLATE Inc. He is responsible for spatial design, product development, and integrated communication design, centering on video planning. Youngest medalist of the JAAA Creator of the Year. He has received over 60 awards at domestic and international award shows, including Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, Media Arts Festival, and ACC.
Selected as one of Ad Age's '40 under 40' (40 individuals under 40 active globally). He sees potential in crossing borders and fusing wisdom from various fields related to entertainment, practicing new ways of creation.
■ About the Animated Feature Film 'KILLTUBE'
The setting of 'KILLTUBE' is a Japan where, for a certain reason, the Edo period has continued to the present day. In a society with a strict class system, the only way to change one's status is through 'duel streaming'. In this closed environment, a trio from the lowest class brushes off the mockery of the masses and challenges the top in this battle entertainment.
■ Synopsis
A Japan where the Edo period has continued to the present day.
Inside the walls enclosing the sea, a massive high-rise city is crammed together.
For the sake of a peaceful society, people are strictly managed in their housing, occupations, and even food, according to a class system divided from Level 1 to 7.
The only way to change the status one is born with.
That is to win through on the state-run duel streaming platform, 'KILLTUBE'.
For their dreams, for freedom, the common people throw themselves onto blood-stained stages.
Appearing there is Musashi, an unconventional boy raised by dogs.
Along with Kikuchiyo, a swindler, and Leo, an inventor, the three enter 'KILLTUBE' from the bottom of society, aiming for the top of Edo.
As the three rise through the ranks using unconventional methods, they catch the eye of Shogun Ieyasu, but simultaneously face the eerie distortions of this society.
Will Musashi and his friends be able to grasp freedom in this world?
■ Basic Information
Production: STUDIO DOTOU
Title: KILLTUBE
Planning and Director: Kazuaki Kuribayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.)
Planning and Production: CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
Running Time: 90 minutes (planned)
Animated Feature Film 'KILLTUBE' Official Website: https://killtu.be/
The 'Work in Progress' section, for which 'KILLTUBE' has been selected this time, garners high attention alongside the competition within the film festival. It is a section where creators themselves introduce the production process and the latest footage of in-production animated works selected from all over the world. During the festival, Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi and others are scheduled to give a presentation on-site in Annecy.
Since this project was announced in April 2024 as a large-scale endeavor with a total production cost of 1 billion yen, the released teaser videos have surpassed a total of 5 million views. Production is vigorously underway with the goal of nurturing an original film within the Japanese anime industry.
■ What is 'Work in Progress' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival?
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, established in 1960 when the animation section of the Cannes Film Festival became independent, is one of the world's largest and most prestigious animation film festivals. Within it, the 'Work in Progress (WIP)' session has been the platform where numerous highly anticipated works have been presented before their completion.
It has been announced that for the 2025 edition, there were over 3,900 visual work entries (total across all sections) from 100 countries worldwide.
■ Overview of Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
Dates: June 21 - June 27, 2026
Location: Annecy, France
Official Website: https://www.annecyfestival.com/
■ Presenter Profile
Planning and Director
Kazuaki Kuribayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.)
CCO / Planner at CHOCOLATE Inc. He is responsible for spatial design, product development, and integrated communication design, centering on video planning. Youngest medalist of the JAAA Creator of the Year. He has received over 60 awards at domestic and international award shows, including Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, Media Arts Festival, and ACC.
Selected as one of Ad Age's '40 under 40' (40 individuals under 40 active globally). He sees potential in crossing borders and fusing wisdom from various fields related to entertainment, practicing new ways of creation.
■ About the Animated Feature Film 'KILLTUBE'
The setting of 'KILLTUBE' is a Japan where, for a certain reason, the Edo period has continued to the present day. In a society with a strict class system, the only way to change one's status is through 'duel streaming'. In this closed environment, a trio from the lowest class brushes off the mockery of the masses and challenges the top in this battle entertainment.
■ Synopsis
A Japan where the Edo period has continued to the present day.
Inside the walls enclosing the sea, a massive high-rise city is crammed together.
For the sake of a peaceful society, people are strictly managed in their housing, occupations, and even food, according to a class system divided from Level 1 to 7.
The only way to change the status one is born with.
That is to win through on the state-run duel streaming platform, 'KILLTUBE'.
For their dreams, for freedom, the common people throw themselves onto blood-stained stages.
Appearing there is Musashi, an unconventional boy raised by dogs.
Along with Kikuchiyo, a swindler, and Leo, an inventor, the three enter 'KILLTUBE' from the bottom of society, aiming for the top of Edo.
As the three rise through the ranks using unconventional methods, they catch the eye of Shogun Ieyasu, but simultaneously face the eerie distortions of this society.
Will Musashi and his friends be able to grasp freedom in this world?
■ Basic Information
Production: STUDIO DOTOU
Title: KILLTUBE
Planning and Director: Kazuaki Kuribayashi (CHOCOLATE Inc.)
Planning and Production: CHOCOLATE/KILLTUBE
Running Time: 90 minutes (planned)
Animated Feature Film 'KILLTUBE' Official Website: https://killtu.be/