Tokyo, 1814. Versatile and stubborn visual artist Tetsuzo tirelessly works in in the garbage-loaded chaos of his house-atelier, assisted by his equally talented 23-year-old daughter O-Ei. She contributes significantly to his fame, but remains uncredited. The film sketches a lively portrayal of a free-spirited, utterly outspoken and hugely talented woman and artist, unfolding through the changing seasons: ‘We’re father and daughter; with two brushes and four chopsticks, we’ll get by anywhere.’

In a steampunk version of England, James Ray Steam is sent a mysterious spherical device that his father and grandfather have accidentally discovered while looking for a new source of energy for England’s steam engines. Increasingly hunted by members of the opposing O’Hara Foundation, James uncovers the Foundation’s sinister goals. He also finds himself confronted with Scarlett O’Hara St Johns, the granddaughter of the O’Hara Foundation’s chairman, who seems to have taken a liking to him.

Satoshi Kon only directed four feature films, before passing away in 2010, and Millennium Actress (2001) is his most subtle one. Loosely based on the life of actresses Setsuko Hara (1920-2015) and Hideko Takamine (1924-2010), the film features a documentary film crew interviewing retired acting legend Chiyoko Fujiwara. As Chiyoko tells her life story, personal life, history and cinema get intertwined, resulting in a unique filmic experience.