Dwarf Studios, the acclaimed Japanese stop-motion animation studio, has officially announced its collaboration with GKIDS to produce a feature-length animated film adaptation of Taiyo Matsumoto’s beloved manga, Sunny. The studio has also unveiled the first captivating images from the film, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Sunny brought to life through meticulous stop-motion animation.
A Touching Story from a Master Storyteller
Sunny is a poignant slice-of-life manga penned and illustrated by Taiyo Matsumoto. The story revolves around the lives of children residing in Star Kids, a foster home set in 1970s Japan. These children, each grappling with their unique circumstances and personal challenges, find solace and camaraderie within the walls of their shared home. The manga beautifully portrays their everyday struggles, dreams, and the unwavering bonds they forge as they navigate the complexities of childhood and the search for belonging.
Michael Arias: A Visionary Director at the Helm
The Sunny film adaptation is being directed by Michael Arias, a name synonymous with groundbreaking animation and a deep understanding of Matsumoto’s works. Arias previously helmed the critically acclaimed anime film Tekkonkinkreet, also based on a Matsumoto manga. His ability to capture the essence of Matsumoto’s storytelling and translate it into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience makes him the perfect choice to bring Sunny to the big screen.
Arias also translated the Sunny manga into English, demonstrating his familiarity and connection with the source material.
Dwarf Studios: Masters of Stop-Motion Animation
Dwarf Studios, renowned for its intricate stop-motion animation and heartwarming narratives, is the studio behind the Sunny film. With a portfolio that includes the Netflix series Pokémon Concierge and Rilakkuma and Kaoru, Dwarf Studios has consistently demonstrated its ability to create captivating worlds and endearing characters through the art of stop-motion.
The studio was founded in September 2003 by filmmaker Tsuneo Goda, the creator of Domo. Over the past two decades, Dwarf Studios has evolved into Japan’s leading stop-motion studio, producing high-quality films, TV commercials, and other content.
GKIDS: Bringing Animated Gems to the World
GKIDS, the acclaimed independent animation producer and distributor, is producing the Sunny film. GKIDS is known for its commitment to bringing exceptional animated films from around the world to North American audiences. Their impressive catalog includes numerous Academy Award-nominated films, making them a perfect partner to bring Sunny to a wider audience.
What to Expect from the Sunny Film
Based on the initial images released by Dwarf Studios, the Sunny film promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of Matsumoto’s manga. The stop-motion animation captures the warmth and nostalgia of 1970s Japan, while the character designs stay true to Matsumoto’s distinctive art style.
Variety describes the film as “a moving narrative set in 1970s Japan” that “takes viewers inside Star Kids, a foster home that’s a sanctuary for children caught in the cracks of society. Told through the eyes of its young inhabitants, Sunny explores the fragile strength of found families and childhood resilience.”
The Road to Completion
The Sunny film is currently slated for completion in 2029. The film will be highlighted at the Annecy Animation Showcase at Cannes on May 18, 2025, as part of Cannes’ Animation Day, offering industry professionals and fans a sneak peek at the project’s progress.
The Legacy of Sunny: A Manga Beloved by Many
Taiyo Matsumoto’s Sunny manga has garnered widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated following for its heartfelt storytelling, memorable characters, and poignant exploration of childhood themes. The manga won the 61st Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2016 and received an Excellence Award at the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2017.
It was also nominated for several awards, including:
- Angoulême International Comics Festival (2015, 2016)
- Harvey Award (2014)
- Eisner Award (2016)
- Slate Book Review and Vermont’s Center for Cartoon Studies’ Best Graphic Novel prize (2014)
Viz Media released the manga in English in six volumes from 2013 to 2016.
Taiyo Matsumoto: A Manga Icon
Taiyo Matsumoto is a highly acclaimed and influential manga artist known for his distinctive art style, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narratives. His works often explore themes of childhood, identity, and the human condition.
Other notable works by Matsumoto include:
- Tekkonkinkreet
- Ping Pong
- No. 5
- Cats of the Louvre
Dwarf Studios: A Glimpse into Their Creative World
Dwarf Studios has been at the forefront of stop-motion animation in Japan, consistently pushing the boundaries of the medium and creating memorable experiences for audiences worldwide. Some of their notable works include:
- Pokémon Concierge (Netflix)
- Rilakkuma and Kaoru (Netflix)
- Komaneko: The Curious Cat
- Hidari
- Domo-kun
In addition to their original productions, Dwarf Studios has also collaborated with various companies on commercials, music videos, and other projects.
The Annecy Animation Showcase: A Platform for Animation Excellence
The Annecy Animation Showcase at Cannes is a prestigious event that highlights some of the most exciting and innovative animated projects from around the world. Being selected for this showcase is a testament to the quality and potential of the Sunny film.
Anticipation Builds for 2029
As fans eagerly await the release of Sunny in 2029, the first-look images from Dwarf Studios have only heightened the anticipation for this heartfelt and visually stunning stop-motion adaptation. With a talented director, a renowned animation studio, and a beloved manga as its source material, Sunny has all the ingredients to become a truly special cinematic experience.
