News

Janus Films Acquires Takashi Murakami's Live-Action/CGI Movie Jellyfish Eyes

Entertainment news outlet Deadline reported on Wednesday that Janus Films has licensed Takashi Murakami's fantasy film Jellyfish Eyes (Mememe no Kurage) for North America.

The company plans to screen the film at the IFC Center in New York City on July 15, with a national release to follow. Murakami will appear at the New York screening and host a Q&A session after the film.

The film will also launch digitally on iTunes and Amazon on July 15.

Janus Films works with The Criterion Collection to distribute foreign Art House Films.

Contemporary artist Murakami (Superflat Monogram) made his live-action directorial debut with the film in 2013, though the project was initially planned as an animation. He was also in charge of the original story and character design, and served as executive producer. Jun Tsugida was in charge of the film's screenplay alongside Yoshihiro Nishimura, who also acted as producer and assistant director.

In the film, Takuto Sueoka stars as Masashi, an elementary school student who transfers schools after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. In his new house, Masashi discovers that he can see "friends," mysterious jellyfish-like beings that adults cannot see. The film incorporates more than 900 cuts of CG animation.

A second film in this planned trilogy is currently in production.

The English website includes a production diary for the first film.

Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the news tip.