Pompo: the movie buff animated film director Takayuki Hirao participated in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on the r/anime subreddit on Tuesday ahead of the film’s US release on April 29. Hirao fielded questions from fans about the film, including a funny question that highlighted Nathalie’s dance sequence. The short clip became a meme in the English-speaking community because the dance appears as an emoticon in the popular Fortnite Survival game.
In his response (quoted below), Hirao explained his reason for including him in the film and his Japanese inspiration:
I’m surprised this dance is a popular meme in America! In Japan, it is called iine, or the “thumbs up” dance. Two years ago a band called DAY PUMP released a song called “USA” and everyone was dancing in Japan. Nathalie tends to express her emotions with her body. So when she’s confused or nervous, she dances. From the American references in the movie, we thought she would be perfect, so it would be an homage!
avex released DAY PUMPThe music video for “Shoot” in 2018. American rapper BloBoy JB showed off the original dance move in his “Shoot” music video in 2017.
Hirao also shared his favorite film directors, his techniques for rendering live-action camerawork in anime, and his experiences working on ufotable and with the legendary director satoshi kon.
GCHILDREN will start the screening of the anime film of shōgo sugitani‘s Pompo: the movie buff (Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san) manga in the US on April 29 in select theaters, with a special fan preview screening on April 27 and 28. The film will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles and an English Bend. Tickets are currently on sale.
Preview screenings will feature an introduction by Hirao.
NYICFF describes the film:
If you’re reading this, you probably like movies. You’ll feel right at home with Pompo, the talented and fearless producer whose love of filmmaking is unwavering and unapologetic. One day, Pompo turns his amazing eye for his talent to his movie-loving but apprehensive assistant Gene and selects him to make his directorial debut with his latest screenplay. But Gene has his work cut out for him with a young star looking for his first big break and an aging, Brando-like, legendary superstar on camera. It’s not an action flick, but Pompo’s breakneck pace combined with the high stakes of creative making pack in as much thrills as standard superhero fare. Add to that a host of insider movie references and countless nods and nods to the movie-making process, this hilarious and heartwarming drama has what it takes to fulfill even your wildest celluloid dreams.
Takayuki Hirao (the garden of sinners movie 5, god eater) directed the film in APPLAUD. Shingo Adachi (sword art online, wagnaria!!) designed the characters. Ryōichiro Matsuo (in this corner of the world) served as producer. vocaloid producer Iori Kanzaki he composed three vocal songs for the film. virtual singer bracelet made one insert song “Tatoeba” (for example), and DUSTCELL’s vocalist EMA performed the other part of the film. insert song “Hangyakusha no Bokura” (We Rebels). Besides, Seiko Niizuma performed the opening number of the film “Dance on Fire”. Rookie singer CIEL performed the movie’s theme song “Mado wo Akete” (Open a Window).
The anime film opened in North America on the 25th in Montreal. International Fantasy Film Festival in August.
Source: Reddit