SC Films International has acquired worldwide sales rights for “Fujiko,” the second feature from Japanese director Kimura Taichi, produced by Megumi, whose Netflix series “Badly in Love” broke records on the platform.
The film assembles an ensemble cast led by Katayama Yuki, with veteran performers Lily Franky (“Shoplifters,” “Renoir”), You (“Nobody Knows”), Ogata Issey (Martin Scorsese’s “Silence”), Kishimoto Kayoko (“Hana-bi”) and Ujiki Tsuyoshi rounding out the lineup alongside Megumi herself. The film was edited by Miyake Aika, known for her work on “Shogun.”
SC Films’ Fumie Suzuki Lancaster, who negotiated the deal with producers Megumi and Hiramatsu Takuma, also serves as executive producer alongside SC Films co-founder Simon Crowe. The screenplay was written by Gajin Shota and Kuniyoshi Saki.
“Fujiko” will world premiere at Italy’s Udine Far East Film Festival, followed by a German premiere as the opening film of Nippon Connection, before opening theatrically across Japan on June 5. SC Films will present the title as part of its Cannes Film Market slate.
Set in Shizuoka during the 1970s and ’80s, the film draws on Kimura’s own family history, following a single mother’s pursuit of personal freedom amid the social upheaval of the era. The project reflects the director’s dual sensibility: Kimura relocated to the U.K. at the age of 12 to study filmmaking, going on to direct music videos for artists including Coldplay and Chase & Status and commercial work for Adidas and Uniqlo. His debut feature “Afterglows” earned him the best director prize at the 2023 Barcelona Asian Film Festival.
The film’s soundtrack draws on contributions from King Gnu member Tsuneta Daiki and Popal Daoud Akira of Kikagaku Moyo, giving the picture a rock-inflected sonic identity.
“I’m excited to announce that ‘Fujiko’ will be partnering with SC Films to expand its international sales,” Megumi said. “Sharing Japanese cinema with audiences around the world has long been a personal mission. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and will do my utmost to ensure that ‘Fujiko’ reaches and resonates with as many overseas viewers as possible.”
Kimura added: “This is the most important film I’ve ever made – one that will never be surpassed. Nothing is more important to me than family, and through their story, I’ve finally found a way to express who I am – not just as a director, but as a person.”
Suzuki Lancaster said: “This film holds a very special place in my heart as it is set in my hometown. “While era, countries, and circumstances may differ, one truth remains universal: women’s strength and resilience transcend borders. We believe ‘Fujiko’ carries strong international appeal, resonating with both festival and commercial audiences worldwide.”
SC Films’ Cannes market lineup also includes the family animation “Girl in the Clouds” and Mike Wiluan’s Indonesian action horror title “Melati.”
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