Mamoru Oshii readies international co-production

The English-language project will be led by Oshii’s usual backer, Production I.G. Co-producing are Canadian producer-distributor The Nakamura Group Advantage and Japanese contents rights consultation firm Filosophia. 

First developed by Oshii in the mid-90s, The Last Druid: Garm Wars could not be realised due to technical limitations at the time. Oshii commented on the ability to now make the film:

“The environment for producing films has transformed, especially in digital technology which is currently operating at a shocking level compared to the time I first conceived this project. At long last, Garm Wars’ time has come.”

The futuristic story follows a female clone soldier on the run as she tries to uncover the truth behind the shared history with her sworn enemies. Casting and production details have yet to be announced.

Production I.G previously produced Oshii’s Ghost In The Shell and its sequel Innocence. The latter was the first Japanese animated feature to compete for the Palme d’Or in Cannes in 2004, while Oshii’s The Sky Crawlers competed in Venice in 2008. Known predominantly as an animation director, Oshii’s live-action films include Avalon and Assault Girls.

This September, Production I.G set up its Canadian subsidiary, Production I.G Canadian Bureau, with its co-production partners in Ottawa. Production IG invested 66.7%, Nakamura 28.3% and Filosophia 5%. The subsidiary handles international co-productions and business administration.

The Canadian capital hosts North America’s largest animation event, the Ottawa International Animation Festival, which also features a market and industry events.