‘Drive My Car’ Outfit Bitters End Adds Sho Miyake’s Manga Adaptation ‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’ to Cannes Market Slate (EXCLUSIVE)

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International distribution rights for the latest film by Japanese director Sho Miyake, “Two Seasons, Two Strangers,” have been purchased by Bitters End prior to the start of the Cannes Film Market.

For over three decades, Bitters End has solidified its position as a prominent Japanese film distributor, showcasing movies from esteemed directors such as Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Bong Joon-Ho, the Dardenne brothers, and Jia Zhangke. Among their latest acquisitions are titles like “Anora,” “Sex/Love/Dreams,” “Caught by the Tide,” “La Chimera,” and “Perfect Days.” Additionally, Bitters End is responsible for the Academy Award-winning production of “Drive My Car.

Two Seasons, Two Unfamiliar Faces” – This upcoming movie brings together renowned Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung (“Miss Granny,” “The Journalist”) and acclaimed Japanese actor Shinichi Tsutsumi (“Always: Sunset on Third Street”). At present, it is undergoing post-production with plans for a domestic release in Japan by November.

Miyake has earned a notable reputation for his festivals with past works such as “All the Long Nights” (Berlinale 2024), “Small, Slow But Steady” (Berlinale 2022), “And Your Bird Can Sing” (Berlinale 2019), and “Playback” (Locarno 2012). His thoughtful, emotionally resonant storytelling has marked him as a prominent figure in modern Japanese cinema.

The upcoming movie is based on the works of renowned manga artist Yoshiharu Tsuge, specifically “Mister Ben of the Igloo” and “A Scenic Seaside View.” The story revolves around Li, a character portrayed by Shim, who is a screenwriter. After an unexpected encounter with Benzo (Tsutsumi), she embarks on an introspective journey. As she delves into her writing, she investigates profound instances of human interaction.

Miyake found adapting Tsuge’s unique material captivating, almost to the point of being overpowering,” he explained. “There’s an intense sense that something entirely fresh and original is emerging.

At Bitters End, they’ll manage both worldwide sales and domestic distribution within Japan for this movie, a joint production by Culture Entertainment, Sedic International, and TheFool.

The company’s selection for Cannes includes several new titles such as “Linda Linda Linda 4K,” a restored version of Nobuhiro Yamashita’s popular cult classic commemorating its 20th anniversary, which will make its world premiere at Tribeca. Also included are “After the Quake,” an adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short stories by Tsuyoshi Inoue, and “White Flowers and Fruits,” the debut film from Yukari Sakamoto, produced by Teruhisa Yamamoto, who also worked on “Drive My Car.

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2025-05-02 04:17