The Animation is Film festival has announced its competition lineup, featuring two notable upcoming anime projects: Masanao Kawajiri’s Cherry and Virgin and the Madhouse-produced ghost – end of night. The festival, held at the TCL 6 Chinese Theatres in Hollywood from October 16-19, will host these screenings alongside a special presentation of the classic Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.
Cherry and Virgin arrives in Los Angeles with momentum, having recently earned a "Special Mention of the Jury" at the 30th Fantasia International Film Festival. Originally announced in 2021, the film is now confirmed for a 2027 theatrical debut. Meanwhile, ghost – end of night, directed by Shingo Natsume, is building its own footprint with a manga adaptation by artist himiko currently running in Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine. It is slated for a Japanese theatrical release on February 11, 2027.
Both films are also scheduled to appear at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, which runs from October 26 to November 4. This dual-festival circuit highlights the international interest surrounding these titles well ahead of their wider commercial launches. GKIDS has also confirmed that it will handle the upcoming release of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, with select subtitled screenings planned for this fall before a full 2027 rollout.
Why it matters: The inclusion of these titles in the Animation is Film competition provides a rare opportunity for North American audiences to view these features shortly before or during their primary theatrical windows in Japan. With both films currently navigating the festival circuit, it remains to be seen how their reception in Los Angeles might influence their broader international distribution strategies.
