GKIDS has acquired all North American distribution rights for Lonely Castle in the Mirror. Directed by Keiichi Hara, the film features animation from the lauded A-1 Pictures and is adapted from the beloved novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura.
“We are thrilled to be able to work again with director Keiichi Hara,” said GKIDS president David Jesteadt. “His latest film is a deeply emotional story about the private struggles we all go through, and the small yet joyous connections with others that make life worth living. I can’t wait for North American audiences to join us on a trip to the Lonely Castle in the Mirror.”
Lonely Castle in the Mirror held its international premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival – marking the first time a Japanese animated feature was selected for the festival – and had its US premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. It was nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, and was released domestically in Japan in December 2022.
The film director Hara has worked with various past collaborators on the project, including screenwriter Miho Maruo (Miss Hokusai, The Wonderland), composer Harumi Fuuki (Miss Hokusai, The Wonderland), as well as acclaimed artist Ilya Kuvshinov (The Wonderland) for visual concept and castle designs.
The official synopsis of the film reads: Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf.
The Japanese voice cast includes Ami Touma, Takumi Kitamura, Sakura Kiryu, Rihito Itagaki, Naho Yokomizo, Minami Takayama, Yuki Kaji and Mana Ashida.
GKIDS handles North American distribution for Keiichi Hara’s previous feature films Summer Days with Coo (2007) and Miss Hokusai (2015). The company will release Lonely Castle in the Mirror theatrically in both its original Japanese language and an all-new English dubbed version this summer.
The all-rights North American distribution deal was negotiated between GKIDS and NTV. The former is celebrating its 15th anniversary as a producer and distributor of award-winning and artist-driven animation from around the world.