Based on the series of novels by Hiroshi Mori, The Sky Crawlers is set in an alternate history where, although the world is at peace, private corporations contract fighter pilots to stage combat operations against each other for show in order to ease the tension of a populace accustomed to war and aggression. The film introduces a mystery involving characters called Kildren, humanoids genetically designed to live eternally in adolescence until shot down in air battles presented commercially for entertainment, after which they are reproduced. We see life through the eyes of Kannami, a fresh faced teen who quickly establishes himself as the ace pilot of the unit, shooting down two enemy planes on his very first mission. As the relationship develops between Kannami and his beautiful Commander, it becomes clear that all is not what it seems.
The Asia Pacific Screen Academy expresses its respect for and acknowledgement of the South East Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of country, including the custodial communities on whose land works are created and celebrated by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. We acknowledge the continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We also pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We recognise the integral role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First Nations peoples continue to play in storytelling and celebration spaces.
