The first eleven minutes of the original anime film L'étoile de Paris en fleur (Étoile Blossoming in Paris) have been released online. Directed by Gorō Taniguchi, known for his work on Code Geass and One Piece Film Red, the film opened in Japan on March 13.
The story centers on two Japanese girls pursuing their dreams in early 20th-century Paris. Fujiko aims to become a painter, while Chizuru is drawn to the world of ballet. After meeting in Yokohama, fate brings them together again in Paris, where they support each other in their artistic endeavors.
Ami Tōma voices Fujiko, and Lina Arashi portrays Chizuru. The cast also includes Taichi Saotome as Ruslan, Mugi Kadowaki as ballet instructor Olga, and Onoe Matsuya II as Fujiko's uncle Chuu Wakabayashi. Kenjirō Tsuda and Kenshō Ono are also among the voice cast.
L'étoile de Paris en fleur was produced at Arvo Animation. Katsuya Kondō, who previously worked on character designs for Studio Ghibli films like Kiki's Delivery Service, collaborated with Taniguchi on the original character designs. Reiko Yoshida penned the script, with Yū Yamashita adapting the designs for animation. The musical score was composed by Takayuki Hattori. A manga adaptation by Zerihan launched in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine last November.
