Junod selected to screen at BIFF 2017

JUNOD by Shinichiro Kimura – Japan 76 minutes          Trailer

The film received the Animation that Matters Award in Cannes 2017 during a ceremony at Animation Day in Cannes, May 23rd.

A Swiss doctor arranged for the delivery of 15 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Hiroshima just after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city and personally treated the victims himself. That benefactor was Marcel Junod, head of the ICRC delegation in Japan. There is a monument to Dr. Junod in a corner of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, but, unfortunately, few people are aware of his selfless achievements.

As an ICRC delegate, Dr. Junod plunged ahead through a war-torn era and saved many precious lives without regard to nationality or race. Armed with know-how, courage, the ability to negotiate and, most of all, a love for humanity, he got through many hopeless situations. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the idea for the Red Cross. We want to produce an animated film that will portray selfless love – the spirit of the Red Cross which Dr. Junod embodied – and his accomplishments and send from Hiroshima a “gift of love” like that of Dr. Junod to as many people as possible.

The “Junod” Animation Production Committee will be attending the festival and introducing the film, Ms Shizuko Tsuya in attendance.