Sunrise Marks 50th Anniversary with Six 3DCG Shorts, Unveils First Two

Sunrise, the legendary studio behind iconic series like Gundam and Code Geass, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a surprising pivot: "Mirai e no Kouro" (A Voyage Towards the Future), a project featuring six original 3DCG short films. Bandai Namco Filmworks, the parent company, made the announcement. This isn't just a look back; it's a clear push into the future of anime production.

The initiative brings together six studios, including Sunrise itself. The first two shorts, both releasing Fall 2024, are already unveiled. Hidekazu Ohara (Sweat Punch) directs "Haseo Sugiyama and the Water Tiger," with Yoshifumi Sasahara (Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn) producing. Naoki Matsuura (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection) is at the helm for "The Magical Girl and the Cursed Flower Garden."

This innovative project promises to explore new production methods, technology, and talent development across the anime landscape. Fans should also expect contributions from major players like A-1 Pictures and 8-Bit on the unannounced shorts. It’s a significant move for a studio celebrated for its hand-drawn masterpieces, signaling a bold embrace of 3DCG's evolving role.