Deaf Crocodile and Cartuna have jointly acquired the North American distribution rights to “Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2002 cult anime classic, “Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space.” The psychedelic cyber-noir film is set to have its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival this summer and will be released theatrically in North America in 2026.
A Return to the Cult Universe
The announcement marks a significant moment for fans of the original “Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space,” an avant-garde Japanese animated film known for its unique blend of 2D and 3D computer animation and mostly black-and-white aesthetic. The original film, created by the duo t.o.L (K. and kuno), gained a cult following and was re-released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile in October 2024, marking their first anime license.
What to Expect from “Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark”
“Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark” is written, directed, and composed by the enigmatic t.o.L, picking up the existential narrative of its iconic feline anti-hero. Set in Cat Tokyo in the year 2030, the film follows the “pint-sized, chain-smoking, time-hopping” cat Tamala as she joins her detective friend Michelangelo to investigate a series of bizarre disappearances across Cat Japan. Their investigation delves into ancient occult forces, cosmic prophecy, and a shadowy megacorporation named Catty & Co., hinting that Tamala might be more than just a mascot – possibly a messiah or the harbinger of the end.
The sequel is described as a “futuristic Neo-Noir,” intensifying the metaphysical chaos of the first film. Inspired in part by the real-world disappearances of loved ones during the COVID pandemic, the movie is a “kaleidoscope of surreal satire, pop iconography, and mind-bending narrative fragments.” It merges influences from renowned authors and filmmakers like Philip K. Dick, David Lynch, and Thomas Pynchon with the “kawaii” aesthetics reminiscent of Hello Kitty and themes of post-internet paranoia. This combination promises a “visually and philosophically radical experience” that is part art film, part cosmic joke, and entirely unique.
The Collaborating Distributors
This acquisition represents the first co-licensing venture between Deaf Crocodile and Cartuna, two companies celebrated for their commitment to genre-defying animation and international cult cinema.
Deaf Crocodile Films
Deaf Crocodile, a California-based distribution and restoration company, specializes in bringing new, independent, lost, unseen, and world cinema to audiences. They have built a reputation for their unique taste, releasing a range of films including “The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians,” “Visitors From the Arkana Galaxy,” and “Zerograd.” Their re-release of “Tamala 2010” last year demonstrated their affinity for t.o.L’s visionary animation.
Cartuna
Brooklyn-based Cartuna is an animation production company that has expanded into film distribution, focusing on animation, puppetry, DIY art, and alt-comedy. Founded in 2015 by James and Adam Belfer, Cartuna aimed to fill a gap in the market for adult animation tailored to digital and mobile audiences. They have produced animated TV shows for platforms like Syfy, Comedy Central, and Facebook Watch. In 2024, Cartuna launched a Blu-ray distribution label and made their first all-rights acquisition with the film “Dead Lover” in 2025. Their growing distribution slate includes titles such as “Boys Go to Jupiter” and “Dead Lover.” James Belfer, Founder & CEO of Cartuna, expressed enthusiasm for “Tamala 2030,” calling it a “cosmic escalation of everything that made Tamala 2010 a cult obsession.”
The Road Ahead
With its world premiere scheduled for the Fantasia International Film Festival, “Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark” is generating buzz among cinephiles and anime enthusiasts. The theatrical release in North America by Deaf Crocodile and Cartuna in 2026 will allow a broader audience to experience the continuation of Tamala’s “punk cat” adventures.
