ChaO

After a freak boating accident, engineer Stephan wakes to find himself engaged to the mermaid princess who saved his life. It’s good for the city, good for business, good for Stephan’s air jet project. There’s only one problem: his wife is a fish.

Fairy tales claim a perfect marriage unites the land and sea. But the truth is far murkier. Thrown together by a twist of fate, Stephan accidentally marries the mermaid princess ChaO and struggles to keep a promise he doesn’t remember making, bewildered by his devoted wife. The newlyweds are forced to sink or swim against the rising tide of public obsession orchestrated by a greedy shipping CEO. But unexpected affection blooms and Stephan’s memories surface: of his hometown, his parents and the secret of the sea. 

ChaO’s near-futuristic world of Shanghai comes to life with spectacular neon colours and energetic visuals crafted by Japanese animation production house Studio 4°C. Aoki Yasuhiro’s vibrant fairytale unfolds in a world divided: of land and sea, humans and merpeople. After an animation career spanning three decades, Aoki’s directorial debut offers a simple solution: love. Stephan and ChaO’s bond is tested by cheerleaders and naysayers alike as they learn that choosing your family means choosing the way you see the world. Winner of the Jury Award at Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

– Georden West

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