Once again, anime continues the modern trend of successfully breaking into the outer world of international mainstream entertainment. For the first time in two decades, an anime film is set to premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. The event will run for 10 days from February 16–26, 2023. Makoto Shinkai will attend the event alongside actor Nanoka Hara and producer Genki Kawamura.

A new visual was released related to the news.

Suzume is Makoto Shinkai’s latest hit film. It was released last year on November 11, 2022. It is his 13th installment in his 24 years as a film director and was the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022 in Japan. The film grossed at least 12.49 billion ($97 million). It is set for a US cinematic release on April 14, 2023.

This is groundbreaking news for the anime industry. While anime films have always garnered recognition since Hayayo Miyazaki’s Spirited Away was released in 2001, it has since become a constant for anime films to break records and win acclaimed success outside of Japan. Makoto Shinkai has truly earned his stripes as a well-known director of Japanese cinema. He has enjoyed over 20 years of success, dating back to his first installment, She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points. Other previous installments of his works, such as the 2019 anime film Weathering With You and the 2016 anime film Your Name, have enjoyed similar success in the past.

How do you feel about this? Are you proud of hearing this news? Is your otaku pride tingling with joy and satisfaction? Let me know in the comment section!

Sources: Crunchyroll