The international Suzume movie premiere will be a part of the Berlin Internation Film Festival. The latest movie from the Award-winning creator, Makoto Shinkai, will have its international debut included in the competition section of the event. Shinkai and cast members of the movie will be attending the premiere for the highly anticipated theatrical release. Among the attending cast members is voice actor, Nanoka Hara, who plays the lead role in the movie.
Suzume is Shinkai’s latest anime movie that follows the success of his previous title, Weathering With You. Fans around the world are excited to enjoy the upcoming release, which features a fantastic new story and stunning visuals that will captivate the audience. The movie was inspired by abandoned areas found in Japan and the devastation caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The movie has already premiered in Japan in November of last year, but now audiences around the world will soon be able to experience the upcoming release.
Suzume’s International Premiere
The Berlin International Film Festival (“Berlinale”) today announced that Makoto Shinkai’s latest film, “Suzume,” will have its international premiere as part of the festival’s Competition section. Shinkai is scheduled to be in attendance at the festival along with actor Nanoka Hara and producer Genki Kawamura. Berlinale runs from February 16-26, 2023.
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“Suzume” hits theaters this April on big screens globally and will be distributed by Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International and Eurozoom (excluding Asia). Last May during the Cannes Film Festival, Crunchyroll acquired the international distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) from TOHO for the film produced by CoMix Wave Films and STORY inc.
“At its core, ‘Suzume’ is based on the massive disaster that occurred in Japan twelve years ago. I’m eager to see how this film translates to international audiences: what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what common ground we have across cultures. The film’s imminent international release will hopefully give me the answer to those questions. And, I cannot thank our team members enough for their unprecedented talent and perseverance throughout the film’s production. On behalf of the entire team, I would also like to give thanks to all the fans who have cheered us on, making ‘Suzume’ possible.”
Makoto Shinkai, the creator, writer, and director of Suzume
“As someone who has never been outside my home country, it’s a dream-come-true to attend the Berlin International Film Festival with the ‘Suzume’ team. Time and time again, I’ve been so happy to be a part of this film. I’m looking forward to seeing the international audiences’ reactions at the festival and hope the entire world falls in love with the movie!”
Nanoka Hara
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Suzume debuted in Japan on November 11 and has now surpassed 9.63 million admissions. “Suzume” has also earned 12.8 billion yen (approx. 99 million USD) in 10 weeks.
Award-winning creator, writer and director Makoto Shinkai has been a visionary in the animation space for decades, with the most recent films being “Your Name.” (2016) and “Weathering With You” (2019), both of which have catapulted him as leading animation auteur with international viewers. “Weathering With You” was selected as Japan’s entry for the best international feature film category of the 2020 Academy Awards and nominated in four categories in the 47th annual Annie Awards including best animated independent feature.
Suzume is the story about a young girl traveling through various ruins across Japan while closing doors causing disaster.
Film Synopsis
On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
“Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
Suzume will be a breathtaking experience that deserves to be released around the world for anyone to enjoy. Many fans may be able to relate to the events of the movie as there are places around the world that have been neglected by the devastation of awful events. This captures the emotions of experiences that can leave an impression on any soul and Shinkai always blesses the audience with stunning beauty that invokes tears and joy. It’s fantastic that the movie is getting recognition as a masterpiece and there is no better place to share this movie worldwide than by participating in Berlin International Film Festival.
Suzume will be coming to theatres in the US and UK on April 14, with other theatrical releases around the world. Tickets are not available yet, but timeslots and locations will be announced closer to the date of release. Keep following for more regarding the upcoming release of the movie.
ABOUT SUZUME
Theatrical Release: 11/11/2022 (Japan), 4/14/2023 (USA/UK/Canada)
English Title: Suzume
Director / Screenplay / Original Story: Makoto Shinkai
Character Design: Masayoshi Tanaka
Animation Director: Kenichi Tsuchiya
Art Director: Takumi Tanji
Production Studio: CoMix Wave Films Inc.
Producing Company: CoMix Wave Films. and STORY Inc.
Rating: TBA
Cast: Hara Nanoka, Matsumura Hokuto, Fukatsu Eri, Sometani Shota, Ito Sairi, Hanase Kotone, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Matsumoto Hakuoh
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Suzume (Hara Nanoka) discovers a mysterious door in the mountains, and soon other doors begin appearing across Japan. As the doors open, they release disasters and destruction, and it’s up to Suzume to close them again.
Copyright © 2022 “Suzume” Film Partners
What do you think of Makoto Shinkai’s work? Are you excited about the premiere of Suzume? What has been your favorite anime movie so far? Let us know on social media and keep following The Illuminerdi for more anime news, we’re always watching.
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