SC Films International has acquired worldwide rights to Fujiko, the second feature film from Japanese director Taichi Kimura, produced by Memememe, whose Netflix series Badly in Love set a record for the platform.
This movie brings together a veteran cast of actors led by Yuki Katayama, Lily Franky (“Shoplifters”, “Renoir”), YOU (“Nobody Knows”), Issey Ogata (Martin Scorsese’s “Silence”), Kayoko Kishimoto (“HAN-BI”), and Tsuyoshi Ujiki, and Megumi herself also appears. The editor was Aika Miyake, known for works such as “Shogun.”
SC Films’ Fumie Suzuki Lancaster, who negotiated the deal with producers Megumi and Takuma Hiramatsu, is also serving as executive producer along with SC Films co-founder Simon Crowe. The script was written by Shota Gagami and Saki Kuniyoshi.
“Fujiko” had its world premiere at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, followed by its premiere in Germany as the opening film for Nippon Connection, before being released in theaters across Japan on June 5th. SC Films will screen this title as part of its selection at the Cannes Film Market.
The film is set in Shizuoka in the 1970s and 1980s and depicts Kimura’s own family history, depicting a single mother’s pursuit of personal freedom amidst the social upheaval of the time. This project reflects the director’s dual sensibilities. Kimura moved to the UK at the age of 12 to study filmmaking, and went on to direct music videos for artists such as Coldplay and Chase & Status, as well as commercials for Adidas and Uniqlo. His debut feature “Afterglows” won the Best Director award at the 2023 Barcelona Asian Film Festival.
The film’s soundtrack enlists the help of King Gnu member Daiki Tsuneda and Kikagaku Pattern’s Popal Daud Akira, giving the film a rock-inspired sonic identity.
“We are pleased to announce that ‘Fujiko’ is partnering with SC Films to expand overseas sales,” Megumi said. “Sharing Japanese films with audiences around the world has been a personal mission for many years. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will do everything in my power to ensure that ‘Fujiko’ reaches and resonates with as many international audiences as possible.”
Director Kimura added, “This is the most important film I’ve ever made and will never be surpassed. Nothing is more important to me than my family. Through my family’s story, I finally found a way to express who I am. Not only as a director, but as a person.”
Director Suzuki Lancaster said, “This film holds a special place in my heart because it is set in my hometown. Times, countries, and circumstances may be different, but there is one universal truth: the strength and resilience of women transcends borders.” We believe ‘Fujiko’ has strong international appeal and will resonate with both festival and commercial audiences around the world. ”
SC Films’ lineup for the Cannes market also includes the family animation “Girl in the Clouds” and the Indonesian action-horror title “Melati,” directed by Mike Wiruan.
