The prestigious Animation is Film festival has unveiled its official selection for its upcoming ninth annual event, bringing high-profile anime features to Hollywood. Among the competitive slate are Madhouse's highly anticipated sci-fi project Ghost – End of Night and the quirky romantic comedy Cherry and Virgin, both securing coveted spots in the Competition Feature category.
Ghost – End of Night Leads Madhouse Slate
Directed by visionary creator Shingo Natsume at studio Madhouse, Ghost – End of Night is slated for its North American premiere on October 16, 2026, ahead of its theatrical release in Japan in February 2027. Natsume brings his signature stylistic flair, building on a stellar career that includes One-Punch Man Season 1, The Tatami Time Machine Blues, and Sonny Boy. The production features original character designs by renowned manga artist Natsume Ono, character animation oversight by Norifumi Kugai, and an original score composed by Ohzora Kimishima.
Set in a technologically advanced near future where human consciousness can be immortalized within a virtual network known as the Starry Sky, the story follows Nike, a young prodigy working as an elite system administrator who struggles to find authentic purpose in an existence devoid of mortality. The film stars Mayu Hotta as Nike and Issei Takahashi as Mas.
Cherry and Virgin Brings Rotoscoped Romance
Complementing the sci-fi heavy-hitter is Cherry and Virgin, directed by Masanao Kawajiri. Scheduled for a 2027 theatrical release, the film will hold its West Coast premiere on October 18, 2026, with Kawajiri in attendance for audience interactions. The film utilizes expressive rotoscoped animation featuring lead vocal performances by Takashi Okado as Ryo and Yaeko Kiyose as Ami.
