On May 15th, 2025, the acclaimed Brazilian animation studio Pinguim Content released the trailer for My Grandfather Is a Nijonjin, their upcoming animated feature that is set to appear in the Annecy Presents category at the 2025 Annecy Festival. In preparation for the exciting event, My Grandfather Is a Nijonjin had an early screening at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

The highly anticipated 2D animated film draws inspiration from Japanese culture and follows 10-year-old Noboru, a Japanese descendant on a quest to learn his cultural roots. Although his grandfather Hideo has long avoided speaking about his past, he finally gives Noboru the answers he’s been searching for. As Noboru uncovers his family history, he inevitably learns about the uncle he never knew he had.

Adapted from Oscar Nakasato’s novel of the same name, the screenplay by Rita Catunda is brought to life with stunning 2D animation that serves as a tool for the film’s exploration of identity and cultural connection. For its visuals, My Grandfather Is a Nijonjin draws inspiration from the works of contemporary Brazilian-Japanese artist Oscar Oiwa. Producers Kiko Mistrorigo and Ricardo Rozzino bring their signature Brazilian storytelling from Pinguim Content to a meaningful narrative derived from Japanese culture. The highly anticipated animated feature shows great promise with its rich animation, storytelling, and universally relatable themes.

Regarding the film, Celia Catunda commented: “São Paulo, Brazil, is home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan. The inspiring story of Noboru and his grandfather sheds light on the deep challenges of migration and cultural identity that resonate in immigrant families across the globe.”