Naoko Yamada’s original animated feature film Kimi No Iro (The Colors Within), currently screening in Japan, has been officially selected for the A Window on Asian Cinema section, which showcases films by talented directors from across Asia, at the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
The festival will be held from Oct 2 to 11, 2024 and this screening will mark the film’s South Korean premiere.
Both Yamada and voice actress Sayu Suzukawa, who plays the lead role of Totsuko Higurashi, are scheduled to attend the event and participate in a stage greeting.
Reflecting on the honor, Yamada expressed her excitement, stating that she felt incredibly honored that her movie was selected for a film festival whose scale was very vast.
“During the stage greeting, I hope to share with the audience some of the joyful moments we experienced while making the film, and to help them feel at ease as they watch this original work, which still holds many surprises for everyone,” Yamada said.
Suzukawa also shared her enthusiasm, saying, she looked forward to sharing the vibrant and beautiful colors and music of Kimi No Iro with everyone. For Suzukawa, this will be her first appearance at an international film festival.
“I am deeply grateful to be attending my first film festival alongside the director. I have come to appreciate even more the power of animation to transcend borders and bring inspiration and courage to people around the world. I look forward to sharing the vibrant and beautiful colors and music of Kimi No Iro with everyone,” Suzukawa said.
Founded in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival has grown into one of the largest film festivals in Asia, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually.
Kimi No Iro has already received significant recognition, winning the Best Animation Film Award at the 2024 Shanghai International Film Festival. It also premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024.
The film tells the story of high school student Totsuko, her schoolmate Kimi, and a music-loving boy named Rui, who meet at a small bookstore in their town. The trio form a band, and through their shared passion for music, they find solace in each other despite grappling with their own personal struggles.
The film, which has been promoted as a “youth x music” narrative, aims to captivate audiences with its poignant depiction of the characters’ emotions.
Kimi No Iro released in Japan on Aug 30, 2024.
Source: BIFF official website, Oricon