‘Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage’ Wins Audience Award for Second Consecutive Year at Fantasia International Film Festival

The anime film Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage (Gekijoban Mononoke: Dainisho Hinezumi) has won the Bronze Audience Award in the Feature Animation category at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival, held in Montreal, Canada.

The Audience Award is determined by votes from festival attendees. Last year, the first chapter, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain (JP: 劇場版モノノ怪 第二章 唐傘), released in July 2024, also earned the Bronze Audience Award at the same festival. With this year’s win for the second chapter, the franchise has achieved the remarkable feat of winning for two consecutive years.

The series’ final chapter, Mononoke the Movie: Hebigami (JP: 劇場版モノノ怪 第三章 蛇神), is set for nationwide release in spring 2026. Anticipation is growing both in Japan and abroad ahead of its debut. The Fantasia International Film Festival, founded in 1996 and now in its 29th edition, is North America’s largest genre film festival, specializing in fantasy, action, sci-fi, and horror. It showcases numerous works from Asia, Europe, and North America, attracting attention from around the world each year.

The story follows the mysterious Medicine Seller, who quells supernatural disturbances caused by Mononoke—spirits born from human emotions and grudges. As in the first chapter, the setting is the Ōoku (the shogun’s inner palace), and the film offers a lavish, picture scroll–like visual world that is a hallmark of Mononoke, making use of washi textures, along with the enigmatic charm of the Medicine Seller. The result is a dense and distinctive work of visual artistry.

Chief Director Kenji Nakamura’s Comment

“It is a great honor that Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage has won the Bronze Audience Award at the Fantasia International Film Festival this year, following the Satoshi Kon Award and the Bronze Audience Award for Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain in 2024.
I’m especially delighted because the Audience Award is decided by the ‘real voices’ (votes) of those who saw it on site. The passion in Montreal has our hearts here in Japan feeling like they’re overheating—just like the ‘Fire Rat’ itself! This has given us the courage and strength to keep creating. MAX thanks to everyone!!!”

Director Kiyotaka Suzuki’s Comment

“I am truly honored that Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage has received the Bronze Audience Award. As a filmmaker, nothing brings me greater joy than knowing our work has been embraced not only in Japan but also by audiences around the world. On behalf of the entire staff involved in the second chapter, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who voted at the festival and to all who have supported The Ashes of Rage up until now. Thank you very much!”

Source : ORICON NEWS