Yokaitopia, released in 2025, continues to attract attention on the international film circuit. Recently, this film from Glenna Burmer was honored with Best Animation Film and Best Director awards.
In September 2026, Whispers of the Universe, a film festival originating in Melbourne, Australia, selectedYokaitopia for two awards: Best Animation and Best Director Animation. Burmer’s film was recognized for its storytelling and creative visualization. Whispers of the Universe, now in its second year, showcases not only films but also provides opportunities to attend panel discussions and networking sessions.
Watch the trailer here.
Yokaitopia introduces Western audiences to the mysterious world of Yokai — strange, sometimes terrifying, Japanese spirits that inhabit all living and inanimate objects. The story follows a Japanese boy on a bike ride through a forest when suddenly he encounters a mysterious black cat; within minutes his life changes. In a remote house deep in the forest, he rescues a group of broken toys trapped by a snow demon. The film’s message of kindness and generosity is brought to life with sumptuous animation, a rich vibrant color palette and stirring all-original musical score.
A classical composer and award-winning concert and animated-film producer in Seattle, Glenna Burmer’s music and original voice create compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Yokaitopia and Bippy the Little Robot, in addition to her first film Nana korobi, Ya oki, were produced by a multi-award-winning collaboration between Glenna Burmer and the animation studio Deep Sky.