The program for Annecy’s MIFA (International Animation Film Festival and Market) pitches includes the pilot film OROCHI -Seventh Echoes-, directed by Takashi Nakamura (Akira animation direction and more) and produced by Makoto Kimura, who has produced various anime, including the first season of Chainsaw Man at MAPPA.
OROCHI -Seventh Echoes- is labeled an adventure fantasy film for children to adults, and adapts an original story credited to BLUE RIGHTS, the company Kimura founded after leaving MAPPA. This is a pilot, but the final film’s runtime is listed as 1.5 hours, with animation hand-drawn on paper. A teaser image from the film and its synopsis are below.
After Leaving MAPPA, Chainsaw Man & Jujutsu Kaisen Producer Takes on Upcoming OROCHI Pilot Film
OROCHI -Seventh Echoes- is described:
Born with the forbidden power known as Hizumi, Prince Agni is abandoned at birth. When Orochi, a spirit of vengeance born from a thousand-year-old betrayal, awakens, the world faces destruction. Agni must confront his destiny to break the cycle of hatred.
The film joins several other anime pilots in the Global Anime Challenge (GAC) panel at MIFA. GAC is a project supporting creators in developing their own IP and gaining a global perspective. Supporting this effort include studio Kinema Citrus, Japan’s Agency of Cultural Affairs’ Creator’s Support Fund, the Japan Arts Council, and the Japan Research Institute, with mentorship from various veteran producers and participation from notable anime studios. The pilot screenings allow these creatives to secure funding, collaboration, and coproduction.
You can check out the other works that’ll be screened at MIFA’s Global Anime Challenge: Original IP Projects Part 1 and Part 2 at their respective links.
Meet Japan’s top emerging creators selected for the Global Anime Challenge, a national initiative shaping the next generation of anime talent.
Eleven participants take the stage with projects developed through the Global Anime Challenge. Since selection in 2024, they have refined their original IPs and completed international internships in early 2026 — this is their culmination.
Presenting in English, they seek collaboration, partnerships and co-production. Global Anime Challenge is a three-year program supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund, nurturing the next generation of anime directors, producers and animators.
Source: Annecy (OROCHI -Seventh Echoes- Webpage)
Image from the Annecy website (“オロチ -Seventh Echoes-“)
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