Naoko Yamada’s original feature-length animation film The Colors Within (currently in theaters), directed by the creator of K-On! The Movie (2011) and A Silent Voice (2016), has been officially selected for the "A Window on Asian Cinema" section at the 29th Busan International Film Festival (October 2-11). The screening will mark the film's Korean premiere. Director Yamada and Sayu Suzukawa, who voices the character Totsuko Higurashi, are scheduled to attend the event for a stage greeting. This will be Suzukawa’s first appearance at an international film festival.

Established in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is now one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in Asia, showcasing approximately 300 films (including around 100 world premieres) from around the globe, with an audience of about 200,000 attendees. The "A Window on Asian Cinema" section, which The Colors Within is featured in, highlights outstanding works by talented Asian directors, offering various perspectives and styles. Past selections include My Sweet Grappa Remedies by Keisuke Yoshida (2018), The Promised Land by Takahisa Zeze (2019), and Ora, Ora Be Goin' Alone by Shuichi Okita (2020).

The section also includes the prestigious "Kim Jiseok Award," named after the late Kim Jiseok, a founding member of the festival who was instrumental in the growth of Asian cinema. This award honors the most captivating film reflecting the contemporary status of Asian cinema, and it was established in 2017. In 2018, the award was won by Daihachi Yoshida's The Scythian Lamb at the 22nd edition of the festival.

In response to the Korean premiere, Director Yamada expressed her excitement: "The scale of the festival is beyond my imagination, but I feel incredibly honored and look forward to the experience. During the stage greeting with Ms. Suzukawa, I hope to share some fun stories about the making of the film and help the audience relax and enjoy our original work."

Suzukawa added, "Starting from the audition, The Colors Within was created with the unified effort of the director, cast, and many staff members. I am deeply honored that the film will be screened at the Busan International Film Festival. It’s also my first time attending a film festival, and I am thrilled to be able to stand on stage with Director Yamada. I truly believe in the power of animation to move and inspire people across borders. I look forward to sharing the vibrant and beautiful colors and music of The Colors Within with audiences worldwide."

The Colors Within previously won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Animation at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The story revolves around Totsuko, a high school girl, Kimi, a girl who once attended the same school, and Rui, a music-loving boy they meet in an old bookstore on the outskirts of town. Together, they form a band, and through music, they connect with each other while grappling with personal struggles in this "youth and music" story.

Source : ORICON NEWS