GKIDS’ Goodbye, Don Glees! screened in theaters in September, was recently released on Blu-Ray and DVD, and is now one of the 27 qualified films vying for 2023 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations. This story of three friends on an unforgettable journey is packed with adventure, humor, heart and purpose. Director Atsuko Ishizuka explains the meanings behind this moving film. (This Animation Scoop interview was conducted as an Email Q&A, translated and edited for length and clarity.)

Jackson Murphy: There are so many deep, emotional aspects to this story. Which parts of the story did you first come-up with and why?

Atsuko Ishizuka: In this world where meaning and understanding is still unfolding, the question of ‘What does my existence mean?’ was the first thing I thought of as a loose theme for this project. If I died and nobody knew about my death, would the meaning of the life I lived be lost? A few years ago, my mother was told her illness was terminal by a doctor, and that she only had a short time to live. At that time, I realized the fact that my existence itself is evidence that my mom was here and lived her life, regardless of how small and inconsequential I thought my existence was. When I realized I’m the one and only treasure for her in this world, I knew how I wanted the end of this story to unfold.

JM: What were your goals with the conversations between Toto, Roma and Drop? They feel very natural and realistic.

AI: Using these three boys’ conversations, my intention was to make a life-size depiction of the world of those teenagers exactly as they see it with their eyes. Roma, who only knows the small town he was born and grew up in, said “Wow!” to Drop, who has lived in a foreign country. But Drop, who simply thinks people live overseas, didn’t understand what’s so “Wow!” about it. Toto, having to meet his family’s expectations, left for the new world that is the big city. But that made him keenly and painfully realize how, like “stardust” that is invisible to people’s eyes, his existence was exceedingly small. I wanted to try to subtly express those realizations they had and their changing perspectives in trying to grasp the world.

JM: The fireworks are gorgeous. How difficult was it to animate the scenes with the fireworks?

AI: In Japan, there are a lot of large-scale fireworks made by seasoned craftsmen that light up the summer sky. We created precise 3D models of these fireworks while watching videos of them. Then we added multiple photographic processes to express realistic flickering of light and smoke. We didn’t want to not only make it realistic, we also repeatedly tested the animation for an image that really looked good on screen, and repeatedly did numerous tests with the cinematographer pursuing visuals that we both could agree on. The sound of the fireworks when they shake the ground is one of the elements we were very particular about too.

JM: What does “opening the door to adventure” mean to you?

AI: Opening up a door when we don’t know what’s waiting on the other side is a very scary thing, I think. Since it’s such a scary thing, in reality it is difficult to go on an adventure on the other side of the door. That is why I am always telling myself that first you need to have the courage to just open the door. That is the important part. This time too I had to gather my bravery to work on my first original film. This was the door to adventure for me.

JM: When you were in middle school or high school, what were you most passionate about? And were you in a group with friends?

AI: At that time I was working diligently on art and theater after-school programs. I’m still close with my friends from then, actually, and they are definitely big influences on my creative activities and my life. My previous work “A Place Further than the Universe” was modeled after our friendships. When it was highly acclaimed around the world I was delighted to share the news with those friends!

JM: How do the film’s themes of growing up and maturity resonate with you?

AI: I don’t think growth and maturity are necessary for everyone if it only means to “become an adult”. Just like Toto, I often worried only about the values of the other adults around me and lost my sense of self, and I still do sometimes even now. That’s why I would like to grow through “learning to take pride in my identity”.

JM: I love that one of the other themes is having no regrets. What did you want to make sure you accomplished with this film?

AI: My personality trait of being afraid of failure or to make mistakes is something I feel self-conscious about. Therefore I feel that I need to keep challenging myself with new things so that I don’t feel regret and am okay when I do make mistakes. That idea and determination showed up in the film itself. And I was able to pull off my horribly reckless plan of creating an original film too. I also really appreciate all the people who fought with me, my staff and all the people who were involved in making this movie.

JM: Goodbye, Don Glees! will be considered for the Academy Awards and Annie Awards this year. Why do you think this movie deserves to be nominated?

AI: When you think of animated movies, a lot of people have a strong idea that it’s for kids, but I wanted to create a “movie” that could be enjoyed by people of all ages, and not an “animation”. I appreciate the licensee workers who promoted and gave presentations of this film around the world. Our success is thanks to them. I’m also very proud and thankful to feel that this piece was received as a “movie” by the audience.