On Wednesday, December 15, we attended a private screening of Poupelle of Chimney Town at Soho House in New York City.
Courtesy of Studio 4°C/ Toho
The Japanese animated children’s film is directed by Yusuke Hirota, based on the picture book by Akihiro Nishino, and presented by Studio 4°C. Poupelle is voiced by Tony Hale, Lubicchi by Antonio Raul Corbo, Bruno by Stephen Root, with Lola as Misty Lee and more.
One night, Lubicchi saves and befriends a garbage man whom he later names Poupelle Halloween, while the locals refer to him as a monster. The residents of Chimney Town are close-minded and lack belief in mysterious things. All they can see is a cloud of smoke above the chimneys, but Lubicchi and Poupelle embark on a journey to search beyond the smoke and discover the stars!
Courtesy of Studio 4°C/ Toho
“It’s such a shame we can’t go any higher than the chimneys,” Lubicchi says, confronting his fear of heights just to continue the story of the stars that he started with his deceased father, Bruno. As Lubicchi and his new friend Poupelle work in the chimney factory, they encounter several hardships because of their desire to reach for the stars. Don’t stand out, don’t dream, that’s the motto and somewhat the law under the tyranny of the local guards. But for Poupelle and Lubicchi, these two can’t help but wander, risking their own lives to find the truth, not just for their own sake but for the sake of Chimney Town.
Throughout the journey we encounter radiant images, sound, and unique animation from their mishaps in the garbage factory to their makeshift contraption that launches them into space! With sentimental flashbacks of Lubicchi’s father, Bruno, the duo remembers, “Don’t give into what’s normal. Don’t turn away from the unknown.” Lubicchi is ignited by these motivational words despite the adversity and isolation faced in a town that has forgotten to look up!
The release date is set for Dec 30, 2021.
For more information on the film, see below.
