He Was Anime

Making Gundam: The Inside Story(en)

"Mobile Suit Gundam" is a science fiction anime about a war-torn future where humanity has colonized outer space. Over the decades Gundam has become one of Japan's most iconic media franchises. But when the original series debuted in 1979, ratings were low, and it was initially deemed a flop. So how did Gundam become beloved by generations of people? What was the making of "Mobile Suit Gundam" - the beginning of this cultural phenomenon - like? This documentary speaks with the people who were there.

Enter the Anime(en)

What is anime? Through deep-dives with notable masterminds of this electrifying genre, this fast-paced documentary seeks to find the answers.

Homage to Satoshi Kon with Masao Maruyama(ca)

Japanese Masao Maruyama, co-founder of the Madhouse studio and producer of the cult films Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers talks about the fantastic universe of mangaka and filmmaker Satoshi Kon (1963-2010), one of the most brilliant and fascinating authors of world animation, ten years after his death.

The Roots of To Your Eternity(en)

Take a deep dive into the fascinating creative journey of the beloved To Your Eternity series through exclusive statements from its manga and anime creators, including Oima Yoshitoki, Kiyoko Sayama, and more. With narration by Kenjiro Tsuda, this documentary features footage to illustrate the past arc to prepare the new adventure in the contemporary arc and beyond.

Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai(ja)

The film’s story centers on Musashi Miyamoto, one of the most famous swordsmen in Japanese history. He pioneered the Hyouhou Niten Ichi-ryuu style of two-sword fighting and wrote “The Book of Five Rings,” a book that has been compared to Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” for its insight on tactics and strategy.

Run To Daylight(en)

A documentary based on the book by legendary Packer coach Vince Lombardi. Narrated by Horace McMahon and told by Vince Lombardi, the 55-minute B & W film is a behind-the-scenes look at the Green Bay Packers from the beginning thru the end of training camp for the 1964 NFL season.

Becoming Jessica Nigri(en)

A portrait of cosplayer Jessica Nigri, from a magical childhood growing up with quirky parents in New Zealand, to entering middle school in the U.S. where she was mercilessly teased for her "nerdy" interests.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko & Ichiro Itano: Collection of KeyAnimation Films(ja)

“Mobile Suit Gundam” series are still favored by various generations, passed its 35th anniversary. The animators who played the core roles in the memorable first series “Mobile Suit Gundam” are Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and Ichiro Itano: “We would like to leave the key animations as the film production to posterity to praise their achievements, which influenced not only on the audience but also on the current anime industry.”

Into the Blue - Perfect Blue Relay Interview File(ja)

Different cast and crew members discuss 'Perfect Blue'.

Pretending to forget(ja)

Animation film celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Senba Center Building. Based on the manga "A manga in the Semba Center Building" by You Machida. One day, manga artist YOU Machida received a request to draw the Semba Center Building, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. This is the story of a quiet dialogue between a manga artist who has suffered from depression in the past and the Senba Center Building, a generous old commercial facility that has lived for 50 years in the middle of Osaka, over a four-day period.

No Packers, No Life(en)

Suh, whose favorite Packer will always be Mason Crosby; Omi and Ayaka, whose infant daughter already sports a green and gold onesie, and Ryuta aka “fatdragon08” who briefly lived in Milwaukee in 1990, studying English, where he was teased for wearing a San Fancisco 49ers jacket, and subsequently converted to the Pack Life. Benzine’s film lets us spend quality time with these super fans, and then follows them as they make plans to cross the sea to see their beloved Packers in-person at Lambeau! As director Benzine says, “No Packers, No Life is a story about a sports team and their fans, but more than that it illustrates how people from all over the world can come together and unite over a common passion. Also, the Japanese fans arrive in Green Bay and get to ride the Zippin Pippin and party a lot. It’s a very good time.”

Heidi's Alpine Dream(de)

An account of the life and work of the Swiss writer Johanna Spyri (1827-1901), the barely known artistic mother of Heidi, her brave alpine heroine, who was first introduced to the world between 1880 and 1881, in a novel published in two parts, and became definitely immortal thanks to an anime series, released in 1974, directed by the Japanese genius Isao Takahata.

Untold: The Fall of Favre(en)

This eye-opening documentary delves into Brett Favre's controversial career, the dark side of sports stardom, and the scandals that marred his legacy.

Otaku Unite!(en)

Otaku Unite! is a feature-length documentary on the history of Japanese animation fandom in the United States: from the importation of anime in the early 60s to the current boom in both the visibility and accessibility of its accompanying fandom.

Cosplay, más que disfrazarse(es)

One Piece - En route vers l'épisode 1000(fr)

The Witches of the Orient(fr)

The Japanese volleyball players called the “Oriental Witches” are now in their 70s. From the formation of the team at the factory until their victory at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, memories and legends rise to the surface and blend inextricably.

Memories of a Spring(ja)

Director Makoto Shinkai reminisces with his team about the production process of the animated film "5 Centimeters per Second" and shares memories at the filming locations. Screened with theatrical re-release of the film in 2026.

Hand-Drawn: Documentary(en)

An indie documentary exploring the art form of hand-drawn animation through a contemporary lens in the digital era. Featuring insights and anecdotes by hand-drawn animation artists from around the world.

Space Battleship Yamato: The Making of an Anime Legend(en)

A documentary on the history and making of the epic anime series "Space Battleship Yamato" (known as "Star Blazers" in the U.S.), from its creation in the 1970's to 2005!

Halo Legends(en)

The universe of the Halo video game series is expanded in seven short animated films from Japan's greatest anime directors and studios.

Ploey: You Never Fly Alone(en)

A plover chick has not learned to fly when his family migrates in the fall. He must survive the arctic winter, vicious enemies and himself in order to be reunited with his beloved one next spring.

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming(en)

It's been ten years since the dragons moved to the Hidden World, and even though Toothless doesn't live in New Berk anymore, Hiccup continues the holiday traditions he once shared with his best friend. But the Vikings of New Berk were beginning to forget about their friendship with dragons. Hiccup, Astrid, and Gobber know just what to do to keep the dragons in the villagers' hearts. And across the sea, the dragons have a plan of their own...

A Detective Story(en)

A private detective is hired to find the elusive computer hacker "Trinity." Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts in the Matrix universe.

Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure(en)

When her babysitting business takes a hit, Skipper takes a summer job at the water park. Here she can quickly put her skills as a nanny to good use.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five(en)

Ordered to teach a martial arts class of rambunctious bunny kittens, Po tells stories of each of the Furious Five's pasts.

Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear(en)

Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.

Inception: The Cobol Job(en)

Cobb, Arthur and Nash are enlisted by Cobol Engineering.

Barbie Presents: Thumbelina(en)

Meet a tiny girl named Thumbelina who lives in harmony with nature in the magical world of the Twillerbees that's hidden among the wildflowers. At the whim of a spoiled young girl named Makena, Thumbelina and her two friends have their patch of wildflowers uprooted and are transported to a lavish apartment in the city.

Return to Never Land(en)

In 1940, the world is besieged by World War II. Wendy, all grown up, has two children; including Jane, who does not believe Wendy's stories about Peter Pan.

My Little Pony: The Movie(en)

The first day of Spring is on its way and the Little Ponies are preparing for it with a big festival. But all the fun may come to an end if the witch Hydia has her way! Can the Ponies defeat Hydia and her evil daughters, Reeka and Draggle? More importantly, can they save Ponyland from the witches’ concoction, the strange purple goo called Smooze, that’s threatening to bury the whole town?

The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze(en)

When the dinosaur families get trapped in a valley by an ice storm, one family of "spike tail" dinosaurs volunteers to leave since they consume more food than the others. Meanwhile, the young dinos and a new adult dinosaur named Mr. Thicknose, head out to bring back their friend Spike, who has left his friends to be with members of his own species.

The Second Renaissance Part I(en)

Tells the early history of how conflict began between the humans and machines. Part 1 of 2.

The Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving(en)

A huge meteorite has plunged into the Great Valley, cutting off the water supply and causing tension among the once-peaceful dinosaurs. While the adults argue and turn against one another, Littlefoot and his friends venture out to find a new source of water, only to be constantly bullied by a trio of older dinosaurs. The journey becomes a fight for survival when the group is cornered by a pack of Velociraptors and trapped by a sudden wildfire.

PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue(en)

A royal relative steals a gem with the power to make things fly, the Paw Patrol takes to the skies to stop him and save Barkingburg.

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!(en)

The film chronicles George's adventures as he befriends Kayla, a baby elephant, at a magic circus show and helps her travel across the country to be reunited with her family.Accompanied by his friend, the Man with the Yellow Hat, George travels by foot, train, and truck to reach Kayla's brother and sister in California, only to be accused of elephant-napping and brought all the way back to New York.

Heavenly Sword(en)

The film's plot follows that of the game closely. Nariko, a member of an ancient tribe who have guarded an ancient magical sword for thousands of years, is charged with bringing the sword to its destined wielder, a deity reincarnated who will bring peace to the land. But on her quest, Nariko must wield the sword herself against the forces of King Bohan, who wishes to possess the weapon himself.

Ben Gen 10(en)

When Ben meets a young Generator Rex on the run from a hostile Providence, he must work through a series of misunderstandings, and defeat the dark wizard Hex in order to save the world.

Bratz: Rock Angelz(en)

After starting up their own teen magazine, Bratz girls Yasmin, Cloe, Jade, and Sasha fly to London to cover a rock concert.

Far from the Tree(en)

On an idyllic beach in the Pacific Northwest, curiosity gets the better of a young raccoon whose frustrated parent attempts to keep them both safe.