Suzume to make international premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has announced that Makoto Shinkai’s latest film, “Suzume,” will have its international premiere as part of the festival’s Competition section. It will be the first anime in competition in two decades.

The festival runs from February 16-26, 2023 and Shinkai, along with actor Nanoka Hara and producer Genki Kawamura, will be in attendance. “Suzume” will be distributed globally by Crunchyroll in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International, and Eurozoom (excluding Asia). Last May, during the Cannes Film Festival, Crunchyroll acquired the international distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) from TOHO for the film, which was produced by CoMix Wave Films and STORY inc.

“Makoto Shinkai’s latest film, “Suzume,” debuted in Japan on November 11 and has since achieved 9.63 million admissions. The film has also generated 12.8 billion yen (approximately 99 million USD) in just 10 weeks.

“Suzume” will be distributed in all major territories:

• In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor.
• In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
• In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International and Eurozoom.

Crunchyroll shared the film synopsis: “Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.”

[Source]: Crunchyroll: Makoto Shinkai’s New Masterpiece “Suzume” to have international premiere at 73rd Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) – [PDF Archive]. “Suzume” La Nueva Obra de Arte de Makoto Shinkai tendrá su Debut Internacional en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Berlín (Berlinale) – (PDF Archive).