Kinostart for animated film "Wadachi o Koeteyuke" (Beyond the Wheel Ruts) announced

The short film "Wadachi o Koeteyuke" (English: "Beyond the Wheel Ruts") by the collective Studio DOT is celebrating a limited theatrical run. From October 10, 2025, the production will be shown for one week in late-night screenings at Tokyo's Shinjuku Theater. An official poster and trailer have been released alongside it.

The project originated during the coronavirus pandemic through the collaboration of around 100 internet-based creatives. Director Vab.png is leading a longer production for the first time. The film celebrated its world premiere in July 2025 at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, where it received a nomination for the Satoshi Kon Award and won the Audience Bronze Award in the "Best Animated Short Film" category.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world after the collapse of an empire that created human weapons called "Tekkai" (Iron Puppets). Protagonist Reicht, a former soldier, fights leftover Tekkai at an iced-over military base together with her superior Esus and colleague Groth. When Esus disappears during the pursuit of a mysterious stranger in a snowstorm, Reicht begins a search that calls her loyalty and feelings into question.

Artistic Implementation

- Voices: Remone Ito (Reicht), Hotori Asami (Esus), Yui Watanabe (Groth)

- Poster Design: Shows Reicht grasping Esus's hand, symbolic of her resolve to move forward

- Theme Song: "Kamome" (Seagull) by Abuse Inu, reinterpreted by VTuber singer Yaya Takanashi for the film