Genius Party Beyond

Genius Party Beyond is a second part of omnibus by Japanese production company “Studio 4°C” (the studio was allegedly named after the temperature at which water density is the highest), known for its efforts to connect independent animation with mainstream anima aesthetics. The collection presents 5 directors who, in five short films, try to deliver different, vivid visions of this original project. Masahiro Maeda’s "Gala" is, at first glance, the most straightforward offering, following the rules of kiddie fantasy anime—but don’t forget, Studio 4°C’s talents never play by the rules! Kazuto Nakazawa’s comical, streetwise sci-fi jaunt "Moondrive" on the other hand has a funky, gritty rawness to it that nonetheless doesn’t skimp on intense attention to detail. Shinya Ohara’s "Wanwa the Doggy" is a dynamic riot of colour with a distinctive, painterly flair all its own, and Tatsuyuki Tanaka’s "Toujin Kit" is an exquisitely crafted episode of somber cyberpunk shivers. Wrapping things up, and well worth the wait, is the spectacular "Dimension Bomb" by Koji Morimoto, the same guy who once blew our minds with his short film NOISEMAN SOUND INSECT—rest assured he does so here again!