‘My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin’ Secures French Distribution after Brazil Debut

Brazilian animation co. Pinguim Content (Fishtronaut, Earth to Luna) has inked a deal with Gebeka Films for its 2D family feature My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin, which will bring the heartfelt cross-cultural story to cinemas across France. The deal was brokered by sales agent Gold Valley Films International (GVFI).

“We are honored to team up with Gebeka Films to share this film with audiences in France, who have a deep appreciation of and enthusiasm for the animation genre,” said director Celia Catunda, co-founder of Pinguim Content. “Whilst My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin is a deeply personal story, it has universally relatable themes about identity, family, memory, and belonging, which we are sure are going to resonate with French audiences.”

Reginald de Guillebon, President, Gebeka Films, commented, “At Gebeka, we are always drawn to animated films that carry a strong artistic voice and emotional depth. My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin is a film that resonates far beyond its cultural setting, offering a story of identity and belonging that we believe French audiences will embrace. We are excited to bring this unique and moving work to theaters in France.”

My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin recently celebrated its domestic release in Brazil on October 16, following a São Paolo premiere event earlier in the month. The 84-minute film made its world premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.

Produced by Pinguim Content, My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin is based on Oscar Nakasato’s Jabuti Prize-winning novel, Nihonjin, with a screenplay by Rita Catunda. The 84-minute, hand-drawn feature explores themes of immigration, identity and intergenerational legacy, through the lens of Brazil’s Japanese diaspora — the largest outside Japan.

The story follows 10-year-old Noboru, a Brazilian boy of Japanese descent, as he begins to uncover his cultural roots. When his grandfather Hideo reluctantly opens up about his past, a powerful family narrative unfolds, bridging generations and cultures across time and continents.

Visually, the film draws inspiration from Brazilian-Japanese contemporary artist Oscar Oiwa, blending expressive painterly textures with emotive storytelling. Producers Kiko Mistrorigo (co-founder of Pinguim Content) and Ricardo Rozzino bring Pinguim’s signature warmth and creative depth to this personal and culturally rich journey.

“This animated film from Brazil is rich in local cultural elements while also conveying universal values,” noted Allen Tsang, Head of International Sales at GVFI. “Human migration has shaped the diversity and cultural fusion of today’s world. Through the engaging interactions between a first-generation immigrant grandfather and his native-born grandson, the film vividly portrays the interesting blend of two generations and two cultures. I believe this story will not only resonate with immigrant families but also be loved by audiences everywhere.”