GKIDS to Release Limited Theatrical Run of 'Lonely Castle in the Mirror' this Summer

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GKIDS has established itself as a leading distributor of premium anime content, boasting an impressive portfolio of high-profile animated productions from around the world. With a recent focus on anime, the company has capitalized on the medium's growing popularity worldwide. Their upcoming feature anime, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, is scheduled for a two-night theatrical run in the US this summer. The film will be screened in select theaters on Wednesday, June 21st, and Thursday, June 22, 2023, with subtitles. While a separate dub cast may be available for a later physical release from GKIDS.

According to the distributor, Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a magical-realist isekai with a coming-of-age theme. The story follows Kokoro, a shy outcast who has been avoiding school for weeks. One day, she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror and is transported to an enchanting castle where she meets six other students. They are invited to play a game, and together they must unravel the mystery that binds them. However, breaking the rules comes with dire consequences, as they risk being eaten by a wolf.

Lonely Castle in the Mirror has already gained significant recognition ahead of its US theatrical release, having made a strong impression at several high-profile film festivals and grossed over 1 billion yen in Japan's domestic box office. The film is an adaptation of Mizuki Tsujimura's 2017 Japanese novel and is directed by Keiichi Hara, known for his acclaimed anime features such as Summer Days with Coo (2007) and Miss Hokusai (2015), both of which were distributed by GKIDS.

The animation for Lonely Castle is being produced by studio A-1 Pictures, which has worked on popular anime series such as Fairy Tail and Kaguya-Sama. Harumi Fuuki, who composed music for several of Hara's previous films, has returned to score the film. Lonely Castle's coming-of-age storyline, combined with Hara's talent for creating heartwarming fantasy motifs as seen in Summer Days, is sure to appeal to audiences seeking a unique and emotional cinematic experience.

GKIDS aims for a strong niche with their limited release, catering to the intersection of anime fans and thoughtfully arthouse audiences. This is a niche that GKIDS has consistently filled better than anyone, as evidenced by their past successes. Additionally, GKIDS is gearing up for the North American theatrical release of The First Slam Dunk, a highly popular anime feature in Japanese and Chinese box office history. With these releases, GKIDS has much to anticipate from this year's anime slate.

Source: Press Release