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Finecut, a Seoul-based international sales firm, has secured distribution rights for the upcoming animated feature “Guardians of the Video Game” ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival. The 3D animated film draws from a popular Naver Webtoon created by Gasfard that has attracted over 345 million viewers since its debut. The source material was previously adapted into a mobile game before being developed into this full-length theatrical release.
The story follows a guardian character who has been exiled from modern 3D gaming environments and finds himself stranded in a retro pixel-based role-playing game. While concealing his true identity, the protagonist guides an unknowing player through the game’s narrative while simultaneously uncovering a conspiracy that threatens both his safety and the game’s integrity. Director Uhm Young-sik helms the project, bringing experience from previous animated works including “Running Man: Revengers” and segments of “Yumi’s Cells.” Locus Animation, the studio behind the production, has previously worked on titles that achieved worldwide distribution.
The film currently remains in post-production with a projected release window set for the final quarter of 2026. Footage from the project will debut during Finecut’s presentation at the Toronto market. Beyond this title, Finecut is presenting multiple projects at the festival this year, including the animated feature “Long Long Night” and director Hong Sangsoo’s award-winning drama “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes,” which garnered recognition at Locarno.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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