GKIDS, the Academy Award-winning producer and distributor, announced a multi-territory acquisition of The colors inside (Japanese title: Kiminoiro), directed by Naoko Yamada (A silent voice), with production by Studio Science SARU (Scott Pilgrim takes off).
The film celebrates its world premiere in competition at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2024. GKIDS and Anime Ltd. will release the film in theaters this winter in both the original Japanese language and a new English-language version, and GKIDS will qualify the film for the 2024-25 awards season. The film will be released in Japan on August 30th.
The colors inside follows Totsuko, a high school student with the ability to see the “colors” of others. Colors of happiness, excitement and serenity as well as a color that she treasures as her favorite color. Kimi, a classmate at her school, radiates the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music lover they meet in an antique store in a corner of the city. As they practice in an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and inspiring affection. Will they discover their true “color”?
Genki Kawamura’s Story Inc. (Your name that weathers with you, Suzume), is attached to the film in addition to planning and production. Reiko Yoshida (Ride your wave) wrote the script and long-time Science SARU employee Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man) composed the score. Frequent Science SARU contributor Takashi Kojima, who most recently worked with director Yamada The Heike storyjoined the production as character designer and animation director.
“We have long admired Naoko Yamada and her ability to create colorful, emotional stories from the everyday concerns of teenagers,” said GKIDS President David Jesteadt. “The colors inside is her most beautiful film to date and we are proud to partner with our friends at Anime Ltd. to collaborate on another soon-to-be-classic film from Science SARU and Story Inc., responsible for some of the best anime productions of this new century.”
“The partnership and coordination in the international publication of The colors inside signals a new approach to film funding: working together on a unique global vision while leveraging our respective local experiences to maximize the film’s impact. By collaborating like this, we can all best support talented directing voices,” said Andrew Partridge, CEO of Anime Ltd. “On a personal level, even before founding Anime Ltd. worked closely with the promotion of Naoko Yamada’s films – starting with her feature film debut as part of Scotland Loves Anime. It is therefore a real pleasure to present their latest work to the widest possible audience in Europe.”