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Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

Directed by
Yusuke Hirota

Status World Premiere
Country Japan
Original Title n/a
Year 2026
Language Japanese
Genre . Animation
Duration 98min
Distributor TOHO (Japan, March 27th 2026)
Status World Premiere
Country Japan
Original Title n/a
Year 2026
Language Japanese
Genre Animation
Duration 98min
Distributor TOHO (Japan, March 27th 2026)
Request Screener Press kit
After losing his friend Poupelle, the boy Lubicchi wanders into the mysterious realm known as the Millennium Fortress, where a clock tower is frozen at 11:59 PM. To return home, he must restart it. Alongside his cat companion Fluff, he begins to unravel its mystery and will find the courage to believe again.

Cast & crew

MUSIC

  • Harumi Fuuki (The Deer King, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye, Lonely Castle in the Mirror)

ANIMATION

  • STUDIO4℃ (ChaO, Children of the Sea, Tekkonkinkreet, MIND GAME)

PRODUCER

  • Eiko Tanaka (ChaO, Children of the Sea, Tekkonkinkreet, Mind Game. Line producer on Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Festivals and awards

  • BERLINALE 2025 - Generation
"There’s something undeniably powerful about such a simple idea being explored in a way that can connect to so many… The film clearly aims to speak to children and adults simultaneously. A thoughtful, emotionally grounded animated feature that values sincerity over flash"

OVERLY HONEST REVIEWS
“An adventurous tale of friendship and love that leaves the audience with a joyous feeling in the heart… It’s the story of anyone who’s never stopped believing."It captures the truth that even when the hands of the clock are separated, the 12 o’clock bell eventually rings for those who wait."

NEXT BEST PICTURE
"It is a movie for big and small, and it is very likely to repeat the success of its predecessor… A beautiful ode to friendship, wonderfully penned and executed… The film is full of breathtakingly beautiful details."

ASIAN MOVIE PULSE