Poupelle of Chimney Town

In Chimney Town the air is perpetually dark grey; countless chimneys constantly spew smoke. The residents have long abandoned any belief that anything could exist other than this dreary blanket of ash. Except for Bruno the tailor, who always told stories of a sky full of stars – until he suddenly disappeared. Bruno’s son Lubicchi works as a chimney sweep. The boy is lonely until he meets Poupelle, a benign monster made of garbage.

Poupelle of Chimney Town is an animated film based on a popular children’s book by Nishino Akihiro (one of Japan’s most famous comedians), who had always wanted to see an anime version of his book. He wrote the screenplay and produced the film himself. The stunning, colourful animation by Studio 4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Children of the Sea) at times is reminiscent of a mobile phone game, at others a highly detailed painting. This, in combination with the tender, exciting storyline, makes the film an anime delight for all ages. Official Closing Film IFFR 2021.

Also see Closing Film: Poupelle of Chimney Town. As part of Critics’ Choice VII: On Positionality, the screenings of Poupelle of Chimney Town will be preceded by a video essay from Will DiGravio.

Trailer

Interview

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