Best Friend Forever, a sales company based in Brussels, has successfully finalized a series of distribution agreements for the Japanese animated feature film 'Chimney Town: Frozen in Time'. Arthouse Films will handle distribution in France, HBO Max has acquired rights for Eastern Europe, and MegaCom Film will cover Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. These significant sales precede the film's upcoming presentation in the Annecy Presents section of the Annecy Animation Film Festival, following its initial premiere at the Berlinale's Generation Kplus strand earlier this year.

Helmed by director Yusuke Hirota and brought to life by Studio4°C, 'Chimney Town: Frozen in Time' revisits the enchanting universe first introduced in the 2020 animated movie 'Poupelle of Chimney Town', which was inspired by the works of Japanese artist Akihiro Nishino. The narrative, set a year after the original film's events, sees the protagonist Lubicchi embarking on a journey to the enigmatic Millennium Fortress. This mysterious place is characterized by a giant clock perpetually stopped at 11:59 for a century. Lubicchi's quest is driven by his determination to uncover the truth behind this temporal anomaly and to reunite with his friend Poupelle, leading him on an imaginative journey that explores the essence of courage, companionship, and conviction.

Director Hirota conveyed his enthusiasm for revisiting this world, noting the artistic and technical advancements made since the first film. The production of 'Chimney Town' leveraged the same operational methods as 'Poupelle', benefiting from the accumulated expertise of Hirota and his crew. This sequel introduces a more vibrant and diverse array of settings, serving as a creative playground for Hirota, who sought to imbue this fantasy realm with greater warmth. The animation team dedicated considerable effort to infuse the characters with deeper emotional resonance, elevating 'Chimney Town' to new emotional heights throughout its storytelling.

Ultimately, 'Chimney Town: Frozen in Time' stands out within this year's Annecy selection, distinguishing itself with its unique artistic vision and emotionally compelling narrative. Accompanied by the captivating musical compositions of renowned Japanese pianist Harumi Fuki, the film offers a family-friendly yet dramatically rich experience. The harmonious fusion of its intricate storyline, Fuki's evocative score, and the team's exceptional artistry has created a truly memorable cinematic achievement that celebrates the power of imagination and the bonds of friendship.