The anime film Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark "psychedelic cyber-noir" is scheduled to open on January 22. This release will occur simultaneously in both Japan and the United States. The announcement was made alongside the release of the film's full trailer and a key visual.

This film serves as a follow-up feature to the Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space anime film. The creative team behind the original film, writer, composer, and director duo K. and kuno, collectively known as t.o.L, are returning for this sequel. Kentaro Nemoto, who also designed characters for the previous film, is responsible for character design and will direct the animation for Tamala 2030.

Deaf Crocodile, a California-based distribution company, in partnership with Cartuna, will handle the theatrical release of the film in North America. Deaf Crocodile previously released the Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space anime film on home video in October. The 2010 film, originally released in Japan in 2002, had not received an English release prior to Deaf Crocodile's home video distribution.

Film's Themes and Previous Screenings

The film is described as a futuristic Neo-Noir, building upon the "metaphysical mayhem" of its predecessor. It draws inspiration from the sudden disappearance of loved ones and friends during the COVID pandemic, aiming to be a "kaleidoscope of surreal satire, pop iconography, and mind-bending narrative fragments." The description notes influences from authors like Philip K. Dick and Thomas Pynchon, director David Lynch, and the aesthetics of Hello Kitty, combined with "post-internet paranoia."

Prior to its general release, Tamala 2030 has been screened at international film festivals. Its world premiere took place at the 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival, held from July 16 through August 3 in Montreal. The film is also slated to be screened at Spain's Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, which will run from October 9-October 19 in Sitges, Spain.

Additional Staff

Other staff members contributing to the film include Kenji Okada as TATLA CGI Director, Michio Tsutsumoto as Meguro City CGI Director, and Yuki Hasegawa for Graphical Animation. The music team includes YOW-ROW for Music Remix and Arrangement, and Fumiaki Unehara for Arrangement and Mixing.

Key points

  • Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark "psychedelic cyber-noir" anime film opens January 22.
  • The film will premiere simultaneously in Japan and the United States.
  • It is a sequel to the Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space anime film.
  • K. and kuno (t.o.L) return as writer, composer, and director duo.
  • Deaf Crocodile and Cartuna will distribute the film theatrically in North America.

Source: Anime News Network · News · Sep 17, 2026