Animation Film 'ANIMALIGHTS' Explores Human-Pet Relationships; Crowdfunding Launched

'kuwaku', a planning unit of the film production company DRAWING AND MANUAL, has launched the production of 'ANIMALIGHTS', a short animation film intended to challenge implicit assumptions about our relationship with living creatures. The work explores the bond between pets and humans, questioning relationships that are often taken for granted.

On June 2, 2026, the unit launched a crowdfunding campaign on MotionGallery. The campaign runs until August 31, 2026, with a funding goal of 1 million yen. Funds will be used for production costs and entry fees for domestic and international film festivals.

[Project Overview] Title: 'ANIMALIGHTS' Synopsis: The eldest son of a nameless creature with a light on its head is sold at a desert market. Separated from his family and raised in a cage, he flees in search of freedom while holding onto his fading light. It is a story of a small life fighting against the fate of having its 'light' repeatedly stolen.

[Production Structure] 'kuwaku', the unit behind this project, was established by DRAWING AND MANUAL, which handles planning and production of commercial films, music videos, brand movies, and city promotions. While the team handles script, design, and animation in-house for this independent project, they are seeking professional expertise and funding for sound production (music, voice acting, sound effects) and film festival entry fees through crowdfunding.

Director: Mami Kawashima