Keiichi Hara - Making of 'Lonely Castle in the Mirror' Masterclass

Born on July 24th, 1959, Keiichi Hara drew widespread praise for his irreverent feature “Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back” (2001), and won numerous awards in Japan for “Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Battle of the Warring States” (2002) and “Summer Days with Coo” (2007). Subsequently he became one of Japan’s most globally revered animation auteurs for his body of work, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival double award-winning “Colorful” (2010), “Miss Hokusai” (2015), and “The Wonderland” (2019). In 2018, he became the third animation director (following Isao Takahata and Katsuhiro Otomo) to receive a Medal with Purple Ribbon, awarded by the Japanese government to individuals who have made great contributions to artistic and academic fields. His work continues to be highly anticipated both at home and abroad.

Derived from the eponymous novel by Japanese author Mizuki Tsujimura, the animated rendition of Lonely Castle in the Mirror wears its noble intentions openly. Balancing elements of fantasy and realism, it provides a sophisticated reflection on the challenges of adolescence. This includes the harsh realities teenagers encounter in both their educational environment and homes, as well as the profound isolation that arises from such entrenched pain.

In Enlish and Japanese.

Admission is free, with limited places available.