GKIDS, the Academy Award-winning producer and distributor announced a multi-territory acquisition of The Colors Within (Japanese title: Kiminoiro) which is directed by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice), with production from studio Science SARU (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off).
The film will have its world premiere in competition at the 2024 Annecy International Animated Film Festival. GKIDS and Anime Ltd. will theatrically release the film in both its original Japanese language and a new English-dubbed version this winter, and GKIDS will qualify the film for 2024-25 awards consideration. The film will be domestically released in Japan on August 30th.
The Colors Within follows Totsuko, a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true ‘colors’?
Producer Genki Kawamura’s Story inc. (Your Name, Weathering With You, Suzume), is additionally attached to the film for planning and producing. Reiko Yoshida (Ride Your Wave) penned the script, and longtime Science SARU collaborator Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man) composed the score. Frequent Science SARU collaborator Takashi Kojima, who most recently worked with director Yamada on The Heike Story, joined the production as character designer and animation director.
“We have long admired Naoko Yamada and her ability to create dazzling, emotional stories out of the everyday concerns of teenagers,” said GKIDS president David Jesteadt. “The Colors Within is her most beautiful film yet, and we are proud to partner with our friends at Anime Ltd. on another soon to be classic from Science SARU and Story inc., who are responsible for some of the best anime productions of this new century.”
“The partnership and coordination on the international release of The Colors Within signals a new approach to film promotion: working together on a singular global vision whilst utilizing our respective local experience to maximize the impact of the film. Working in unison like this allows all of us to provide the best possible support for talented directorial voices,” said Anime Ltd. CEO Andrew Partridge. ”On a personal level, I’ve worked closely with promoting Naoko Yamada’s films before I even founded Anime Ltd. – starting with her debut feature film as a part of Scotland Loves Anime. So it’s a real pleasure to be bringing her latest work to as wide an audience as possible in Europe.”
