Beyond the Trail

In the aftermath of World War II, "Sibir Base" stands isolated in a region littered with abandoned biological weapons known as "Iron Army." Leichtes, individuals brought from a defeated nation to atone for war crimes, live at this base. As they carry out their daily routines, they find themselves consumed by memories of what they have lost.

  • Vab.png
    Director
  • Vab.png
    Writer
  • Vab.png
    Screenplay
  • FutaMoku
    Producer
  • Utsuro Ishinomaki
    Producer
  • CloA
    Producer
  • CloA
    Cinematograher
  • CUZ
    Background Director
  • Zote
    Background Director
  • ZEROKU
    Music
  • FutaMoku
    Graphic Designer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    轍を越えてゆけ
  • Project Type:
    Animation
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    6,300,000 JPY
  • Country of Origin:
    Japan
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Language:
    Japanese
  • Shooting Format:
    American Vista
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Vab.png

An independent illustrator since 2020, Vab.png has been featured in art collections such as ILLUSTRATION 2023 and VISIONS 2023. In 2022, they began producing independent animated works, taking on multiple roles including planning, directing, character design, and animation.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the director, Vab.png draws upon personal experiences of being unable to confront the death of a close friend—an unavoidable theme that has profoundly shaped this project. Beyond the Trail reflects a journey of healing and acceptance inspired by events during high school.

The story is rooted in a friendship with a close companion who struggled with hidden despair despite outward appearances of success and admiration. During their final summer before graduation, an argument with this friend, followed by a forgotten promise, led to a heartbreaking separation. The friend later disappeared and was found deceased under tragic circumstances. These events left an indelible mark on the director's creative life, transforming their approach to art and ambition.

Over the years, the emotional burden of witnessing their dreams come true after their friend’s death created a sense of guilt. Even while working on scripts at studioDOT, the need to address this core grief became inevitable. Through this film, the director seeks to reinterpret the meaning of loss, transforming it into a new perspective on life.