French SF Anime Film “MARS EXPRESS” Set for Japanese Release! An Ambitious Work That Swept Global Animation Awards
The French science fiction anime film, MARS EXPRESS (original title: MARS EXPRESS), is officially slated for nationwide release in Japan on January 30, 2026. This ambitious work, which has already garnered significant attention at the Cannes International Film Festival, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and the Annie Awards, is poised to challenge the legacy of legendary SF anime.
Legendary SF anime, which received global acclaim with such impact that it led to the coining of the term “Japanimation,” continues to profoundly influence creators overseas. Masterpieces like Ootomo Katsuhiro-kantoku’s AKIRA, Oshii Mamoru-kantoku’s GHOST IN THE SHELL/Koukaku Kidoutai, and Kon Satoshi-kantoku’s Paprika have left an indelible mark on the world of animation.
MARS EXPRESS is an ambitious French production that draws inspiration from these Japanese animation maestros and bravely steps into their esteemed lineage. Marking his feature film directorial debut, French director Jérémy Périn crafts an original story set in the 23rd century on Mars, a planet often considered the most Earth-like in our solar system. He paints a realistic future where “humans” and “robots” coexist, exploring the complexities of such a society.
The story begins in the 23rd century, as private detective Aline returns to her base of operations on Mars after completing a job on Earth. She accepts a case from a man requesting help to find his missing university student daughter, and thus embarks on a search alongside her android companion, Carlos.
As they delve deeper into the investigation, the duo uncovers the dark underbelly of Noctis, the capital city. What awaits them is a corporate conspiracy wielding immense power behind the corrupt city, and a situation that threatens to shake the very foundations of a society where humans and robots have learned to coexist.
This film has already made waves in the global animation scene, starting with its official invitation to the 76th Cannes International Film Festival. It was also selected for the feature film competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2023 and received a nomination for Best Independent Feature Film at the 52nd Annie Awards, often referred to as the “Academy Awards of the animation world.”
The announcement of the film’s Japanese release on September 12th is particularly significant, as this day is recognized as “Space Day” (Uchuu no Hi) in Japan. It commemorates the date 23 years ago, in 1992, when Mouri Mamoru became the first Japanese astronaut to journey into space aboard a Space Shuttle. With its title taken from the real Mars Express probe, which has been active in space for over 20 years, and its story based on the latest space research, anticipation is high for this dystopian suspense film.
Work Overview
| Original Title: | MARS EXPRESS |
| Year: | 2023 / France |
| Runtime: | 89 minutes / Color / UNIVISIUM / 5.1ch / Translation: Yokoi Kazuko / G |
| Director: | Jérémy Périn |
| Voice Cast: | Léa Drucker, Mathieu Amalric, Daniel Njo Lobé, Marie Bouvet |
| Provider: | TMS Entertainment |
| Distributor: | Hark / TMS Entertainment |
(C) Everybody on Deck – Je Suis Bien Content – EV.L prod – Plume Finance – France 3 Cinema – Shine Conseils – Gebeka Films – Amopix
《Nakase Koutarou》
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