A distribution hub for Japanese independent films SAKKA is set to distribute “Ken and Kazu” which originally premiered in 2015 at Tokyo International Film Festival where the film won Best Picture in Japanese Cinema Splash. Directed by Hiroshi Shoji, this refreshing and gripping Japanese noir was invited to Edinburgh International Film Festival, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, Japan Cuts, and many more.
This will be the film's first ever overseas release despite being enthusiastically embraced by film fans around the world when it premiered. It will come to SAKKA in August, and will be available to stream worldwide excluding Japan.
“This is my first feature film.” The director Shoji sent a special message to the SAKKA audience. “It was shot in 2013, released in 2016, and traveled to many film festivals overseas. I am extremely grateful that the film will be released on SAKKA and can be seen by audience overseas again 10 years after we shot it. If the world looks a little different for you after watching the film, that would make me happy.”
The director Shoji and the film's two fascinating lead actors, Shinsuke Kato and Katsuya Maiguma, won multiple awards in Japan in 2016 which kickstarted their career. Chiaki Yanagimoto, the founder of SAKKA, has seen their journey rather closely. “I watched ‘Ken and Kazu' at the Bucheon Film Festival in 2016, and my mind was blown. I personally wanted to help the film so it could somehow be brought over to the general audience overseas. This was before I even formed an idea for distribution work.” She spent years pursuing this film and eventually the stars aligned. “In a way, this film is what made me realize there are many independent films in Japan that never see the international distribution that they deserve, not because of the quality, but because the Japanese system works very differently. I certainly feel I've accomplished one of my passion projects, and now I am on a mission to do more of this.”
“Ken and Kazu” follows two partners in crime who make a living by selling drugs under the watchful eye of local yakuza. When Ken wants a way out for his pregnant girlfriend and Kazu needs money for his senile mother, they make a risky move. When it catches the attention of the yakuza, all hell breaks loose.
“Ken and Kazu” is SAKKA's 11th film to distribute, following its July release “Tremble All You Want” directed by Akiko Ohku. The distributor shared in the newsletter in May that they would bring two films this summer.
