Toshiyuki Inoue

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.

A comprehensive behind-the-scenes piece that features raw footage from the production studios and work stations, introductions and in-depth interview clips with many of the key artists and filmmakers, an examination of the manga that inspired the film, a look through some of the key components in the filmmaking process (storyboards, adapting the manga, production meetings, and many of the steps along the way), and more, even some "life and times" highlights as the filmmakers go about their routine and work commitments. The piece plays sort of like a dramatic "reality television" program at times, but it's an absorbing look into the wonderful world of animated film creation.

Rare access to animation filmmaker Oshiyama Kiyotaka (Look Back) allows cameras to follow as he dives into creating his latest film. Having honed his skills under legendary titans Miyazaki Hayao and Anno Hideaki, Oshiyama's process astonishes. It is one where he wears many, many hats. Also, interviews with the creators of the Academy Award-winning "Magic Candies", as well as A-list directors from the world-renowned production house MAPPA reveal the current state and concerns for the future of the anime industry.