Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

DRAMA, Animation | English | 108 min

Based on a collection of short stories by Haruki Murakami, BLIND WILLOW, SLEEPING WOMAN is an animated feature film that was produced using a new technique of “live animation” to striking visual, sound and storytelling results.

It follows the lives of multiple characters as they navigate post-Tsunami existence and the existential repercussions of urban life, including an unambitious bank employee, his disheartened wife, a delusional accountant, a lost cat and a giant talkative frog.

WRITER + DIRECTOR Pierre Földes
COUNTRIES OF PRODUCTION France, Luxembourg, Canada, The Netherlands

an impressive achievement, a piece of storytelling which balances moments of flighty whimsy against deeper existential questions”

— SCREEN DAILY

“Pierre Földes succeeds in a captivating adaptation of
Haruki Murakami's short stories”

— CINEUROPA

FESTIVALS + AWARDS

Annecy International Animation Festival
Winner: Jury Distinction Feature Film

Toronto International Film Festival
Official Selection: Contemporary World Cinema

Busan International Film Festival
Official Selection: World Cinema

Film Festival Ghent
Official Selection: In Competition

Sao Paulo International Film Festival
New Filmmakers Competition
Winner: Honourary Mention

Cairo International Film Festival
International Competition

International Film Festival of India, Goa
Official Selection: Animation

Les Arcs European Film Festival
Official Selection: Main Competition

International Film Festival Rotterdam
Official Selection: Limelight

Göteborg Film Festival
Official Selection: Voyage

Glasgow Film Festival
Official Selection

Dublin International Film Festival
Official Selection

Niigata International Animation Film Festival
Feature Film Competition