Cat Soup

Cat Soup is an extremely difficult film to describe, due to its awesome surrealism and almost nonexistant dialogue. It is more a work of art than an anime. There are many underlying themes, such as the transcience of man's existence, but it can be enjoyed without understanding any of them. The plot, though simple, isn't necessarily understandable without being explained. The main character, a cat named Nyatto, embarks upon a journey to save his sister's soul, which was ripped in two when Nyatto tried to save her from Death. She trails after him, brain-dead. They encounter many brilliant, mind-bending situations, beginning with a disturbing magic show. (Source: Anime News Network)

Ringing Bell

A little lamb's life is turned upside down by the wolf that killed his mother. He seeks to avenge his mother, but in order to defeat the wolf, he must become one. (Source: Anime News Network)

Doujouji

Based on an ancient legend, Dojoji Temple tells the story of a young priest who finds himself the object of intense infatuation and lust from a young woman. As he rebuffs her advances she becomes more and more desperate eventually turning herself into a gigantic serpent. The priest is hidden under the bell of the temple but the woman's passion is so intense that escape is impossible. A short animation from filmaker Kihachiro Kawamoto. This film utilizes both stop motion and standard animation techniques.

Forest this flower bloom

A horse puppet wanders into a silver world and pauses before an ethereal flower. (Source: CoolConnections)

Kataku

Many years ago, a young woman named Unai-Otome lived in the village of Ikuta. As she was beautiful it was no surprise that she had two suitors, both deeply in love with her. The girl was torn apart over which one to choose. In her desperation she chose a third option - taking her own life. Although her intentions were absolutely pure, not even in death did she find the solace she desired. Many decades later, a pilgrim walking by her grave meets a beautiful young woman and her story once again rises from the depths of time.... With a plot based on a classic play of Noh traditional theatre, the film presents the peak of Kawamoto&rsquo;s mastery thanks to its expert mediation of the absurdity of the human condition. Source: <a href="http://www.kviff.com/en/film-archive-detail/20050895-house-of-flames/" target="_blank">http://www.kviff.com/en/film-archive-detail/20050895-house-of-flames/</a>

H.P. Lovecraft no Dunwich Horror Sonohoka no Monogatari

Three classic H.P. Lovecraft stories are brought to life by animated clay puppets and miniatures. They are "The picture in the house", "The Dunwich horror" and "The festival".

Briar-Rose or the Sleeping Beauty

An alternate retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story begins in the same way as the original story but our young heroine instead of falling under the mystical spell begins to uncover the mystery of the man who cursed her and his relationship with her mother. It is a realistic reminder that "They lived happily ever after...", may not be as happy as we once envisioned.

Oni

One morning, two brothers living in a hut with their mother set out for the mountains to set traps for deer. They move silently through the forest undergrowth until suddenly a demon's arm reaches out from the treetops and grabs the younger brother. The older brother aims carefully, calms the shaking of his hands and lets an arrow fly, thus saving his brother's life. The demon's arm is left behind and somehow it looks familiar. After returning home a horrible truth is revealed.... Drawing on an early medieval Japanese legend, the film is reminiscent of the horror psychodrama Kwaidan. The Demon (1972) took awards at many animation festivals. (Source: kviff.com)

One Stormy Night

A story about a goat and a wolf who become friends in a stormy night, and how they overcome differences and hardships. (Source: Anime News Network)