Glasgow Film Festival Hosts Mari Okada's 'Maquia' International Premiere, 'Isle Of Dogs' and More

Mari Okada is best known as a screenwriter responsible for many anime films and series including Anthem Of The Heart, Anohana and Fate/Stay Night. In 2018 she makes her directorial debut with Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms.

The fantasy film is set among the Loph, a race of peaceful and apparently immortal beings. When their homeland is attacked by people believing their blood holds the secret of their longevity, the titular Maquia escapes to a dark forest. There she encounters a helpless baby boy, and the two set off on a journey.

The film will be released in Japan in February, but it has now been revealed that the film will also make its international debut at the Glasgow Film Festival, ahead of a UK cinema run this March, courtesy of Anime Limited.

Japanese animated features are currently experiencing something of a renaissance, with films such as Your Name and A Silent Voice. Maquia looks set to continue this, with some gorgeous animation from production studio PA Works. Check out the trailer below.





The international premiere will take place at the Glasgow Film Festival on March 4, with the UK release following later in the month. The Festival will also feature the UK premiere of Studio Ponoc's debut feature Mary And The Witch's Flower,  and opens with an (already sold out) Gala screening of Wes Anderson's Isle Of Dogs. The Oscar-nominated The Breadwinner, from Cartoon Saloon, will be screening ahead of the UK release. in May. Attack On Titan: The Roar Of Awakening, the compilation movie of the hit anime's second season will be screening for one night only in a secret location.

GFF runs from February 21- March 4. Tickets available here