BLUE RIGHTS released the pilot film for its original animated feature OROCHI -Seventh Echoes- on November 13, 2026. This release marks the first original film project for the studio, which was established by former MAPPA executive and planning producer Makoto Kimura.
The pilot film serves as a conceptual and visual introduction to the 90-minute project, which is currently in development. By showcasing the film's unique hand-drawn aesthetic and sound-based world-building, the studio aims to secure co-production partners for the full-length feature.
What We Know
According to a report by Crunchyroll, the film is directed by Takashi Nakamura, who also serves as the creator of the original concept, art settings, and original character designs. Nakamura is known for his work as the animation director for the landmark film Akira and his contributions to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. The production staff features Tokuyuki Matsutake as character designer and Kazuyuki Hashimoto as art director.
The technical team includes Mitsunori Murata as the in-between animation supervisor and animation checker, Koji Hashiguchi as art setting assistant, and Terumi Nakauchi handling color design and color specification checking. Keisuke Sasagawa serves as the CGI director, with Mitsuhiro Sato as the director of photography. The project is produced by Sho Shigemitsu, with planning production by BLUE RIGHTS founder Makoto Kimura. The pilot film, available on the official BLUE RIGHTS YouTube channel, features the theme song "Zankyo" by neNna.
Why It Matters
The film is set in the kingdom of Kukulkan, a world sustained by sound waves. The story follows a boy named Agni who is born with a forbidden power called "Hizumi," which leads to the accidental awakening of the ancient calamity known as Orochi. The project is notable for its commitment to a traditional hand-drawn-on-paper visual style and was previously highlighted as part of the Global Anime Challenge (GAC) during the Annecy 2026 Partners Pitches program. This initiative seeks to bring original Japanese animation to a broader international audience by leveraging high-profile creative talent and distinct artistic directions.
Where to Watch
The pilot film for OROCHI -Seventh Echoes- is currently available to stream on the official BLUE RIGHTS YouTube channel. No theatrical distribution or international streaming platforms have been announced for the final feature-length version as of November 14, 2026.
What Happens Next
While the project is listed with a planned runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes, a specific release date for the full film has not yet been announced. The studio is currently utilizing the pilot film to generate interest and secure the necessary partnerships to complete the feature-length production.