Berlinale Selection ‘Seaside Serendipity,’ Tokyo Filmex Title ‘Diamonds’ Head to EFM With Free Stone (EXCLUSIVE)

The Tokyo-based production company, Free Stone Productions, has secured the rights for international distribution of two films: “Seaside Serendipity,” which was chosen for Berlinale 2025, and the cross-cultural drama “Diamonds in the Sand.” Their intention is to showcase these productions at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.

In the summer of 2025, I’ll be part of “Seaside Serendipity,” premiering at the Generation section of the Berlin Film Festival. This project is the latest feature from renowned director Yokohama Satoko, following her works like “Bare Essence of Life” and “The Actor.” This coming-of-age drama revolves around a 14-year-old member of our art club and his friends, as we spend our summer vacation amidst a vibrant community of artists who’ve moved to our seaside town. The stellar cast includes Konosuke Harada, alongside Kumiko Aso, Kengo Kora, and Ayame Goriki in supporting roles. Japan will see the film hit theaters in the heat of summer 2025.

Diamonds in the Sand,” debuting at Tokyo Filmex 2024, is Janus Victoria’s first directorial project. It’s a joint production between Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The drama follows the story of Lily Franky (“Shoplifters” actor), a divorced Japanese businessman grappling with loneliness in Tokyo who pursues a Filipino migrant worker to Manila. The film showcases a diverse international cast that includes Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Maria Isabel Lopez, and Charlie Dizon.

This feature unites a distinguished creative crew, such as cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa (“Tokyo Sonata”), editor Soo Mun Thye, and sound designer Corrine de San Jose. The movie is the work of producers Lorna Tee, Dan Villegas, and Masumi Soga, with executive producers Shozo Ichiyama, Ho Yuhang, Sylvia Sanchez, and Jim Baltazar.

The feature boasts a talented creative team consisting of cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa (“Tokyo Sonata”), editor Soo Mun Thye, sound designer Corrine de San Jose. The film is produced by Lorna Tee, Dan Villegas, and Masumi Soga, with executive producers Shozo Ichiyama, Ho Yuhang, Sylvia Sanchez, and Jim Baltazar.

Or:
This feature showcases a remarkable creative team including cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa (“Tokyo Sonata”), editor Soo Mun Thye, sound designer Corrine de San Jose. The film is produced by Lorna Tee, Dan Villegas, and Masumi Soga, with executive producers Shozo Ichiyama, Ho Yuhang, Sylvia Sanchez, and Jim Baltazar.

All versions convey the same information but use slightly different wording to keep it fresh and engaging.

Tee stated: “This movie has experienced an incredible voyage, and writer-director Janus Victoria has crafted a magnificent film despite numerous challenges since 2013. The exceptional performances by the A-list cast and crew from Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia have come together to tell a universal story about urban loneliness and connections, making it a significant film for our current times.

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2025-02-03 16:46