Skip to main content
Magnified City film image, director Isaku Kaneko

Magnified City

Canadian Premiere

In a ruined city, a wandering Magnifying Glass Human encounters a secret society of Projector Humans with grand plans to reconnect to the past in a surviving mountaintop theatre. An absolutely stunning animated film from beginning to end, with a brilliant concept that gets more imaginative with its storytelling as it progresses. It touches on aspects of filmmaking and film projection, and how the medium is still capable of creating beautiful illusions, imagery representing another time and reality. The story is effectively told without any dialogue, enhanced by impeccable sound design that immerses you in the mechanical and lifeless environment. One of the most original and incredible works of animation to come along in years.

 

Media Partner

Community Partner

Director
Credits
Country of Origin

Japan

Year

2022

Language

No Dialogue

Film Contact
12 min

Featured in:

Island of Freedom film image, director Petr Januschka

International Shorts: Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect

The films in this shorts program are all about connections. People connecting with one another, dealing with change, or rediscovering a part of themselves and their past.

 

MORE INFO

Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre

A Brighter Summer Day

Dir. Edward Yang
237 min

Edward Yang's landmark movie is based on the true story of a crime that rocked Taiwan in the early 60s, set against a simmering backdrop of restless youth, rock and roll, and political turmoil.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

Everybody to Kenmure Street

Dir. Felipe Bustos Sierra
95 min

This rousing documentary (100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) never puts a foot wrong as it recreates a tense, prolonged stand-off between the police and the citizens of Glasgow when an Immigration Enforcement squad attempt to arrest two men from their homes.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Namesake

Dir. Eileen Francis & Evan Adams
76 min

Powell River... named for Israel Wood Powell, a 19th century politician and a man of his time, an advocate for residential schools and the Indian Act. The Tla'amin Nation asks the city to consider changing its name, a request which sparks intense debate.

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

One Woman One Bra

Dir. Vincho Nchogu
80 min

Kenyan filmmaker Vincho Nchogu impresses with her humorous account of one woman's fight to keep her ancestral land. Winner: Best First Feature, London Film Festival

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre

Julio Avila Cuban Band Live + The Mambo Kings Film Screening

234 min

Feel the heat! Shake your booty as we combine a live set of exhilarating Cuban music followed by a rediscovered 90s barnstormer of a movie starring Latin heartthrobs Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas alongside the likes of Tito Puente and Celia Cruz.

VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

The Silence of the Lambs

Dir. Jonathan Demme
118 min

Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) gives FBI serial killer hunter Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) pointers from his maximum security cell. But is he trying to aid the investigation, or just messing with her head?

VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema

Credits

Producer

Isaku Kaneko

ANIM

Isaku Kaneko

Original Music

Tatsukiamano

Director

Isaku Kaneko headshot, Magnified City director

Isaku Kaneko

Isaku Kaneko is an independent animator and director. In 2020, Kaneko received a master’s degree from Tama Art University’s Department of Graphic Design.