The Californer - SAKKA set to distribute a festival title "Sayonara, Girls." by Shun Nakagawa

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A unique US-based distributor focusing on Japanese independent films is streaming "Sayonara, Girls." by Shun Nakagawa, a story of four high school girls based on the novel by bestselling author Ryo Asai

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- SAKKA, a distribution hub for Japanese independent films, is set to distribute "Sayonara, Girls." this summer. The film had its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival and has since screened at festivals worldwide in Asia, Europe, and the US. It recently received a warm reception at JAPAN CUTS, North America's largest festival of Japanese films, which just concluded its 17th edition in New York this July. Director Shun Nakagawa was initially recognized for his short film "Kalanchoe," which centers on LGBTQ themes and has won over a dozen festival awards. This short film will also be distributed exclusively by SAKKA.

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"I am extremely happy about SAKKA's distribution of my two films," said director Shun Nakagawa in a statement. "Both films offer true-to-life portrayals of Japanese high school students, and I am very curious to see how they will be received by audiences overseas. I truly hope the films reach many people around the world."

Based on the novel by bestselling author Ryo Asai, "Sayonara, Girls." follows four teenage girls as they approach graduation at a high school that is about to be demolished. They navigate their final moments before transitioning into adulthood, filled with anxieties, regrets, and hopes. This debut feature by Nakagawa stars an impressive cast of young actresses and delicately unfolds the bittersweet nature of youth that inevitably fades over time. Notably, Yuumi Kawai, a rising star in Japanese cinema, whose leading performance in this year's Cannes Directors' Fortnight title "Desert of Namibia" garnered critical acclaim worldwide, delivers a standout performance in her first leading role in "Sayonara, Girls." Her work in "Plan 75," "A Man," "It's a Summer Film!," and the popular series "Extremely Inappropriate!" showcases her immense talent as a promising young star.

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"What impressed us the most is Nakagawa's quiet yet powerful approach to exploring delicate emotions that resonate universally," says SAKKA founder Chiaki Yanagimoto. "Under the guise of coming-of-age films, his works convey a universal message that deeply engages audiences. We couldn't be more excited to share his unique films worldwide."

SAKKA's release of "Sayonara, Girls." and "Kalanchoe" will include exclusive bonus content and director's commentary. The films will be available to stream in North America, Europe, and Oceania. As a distribution hub for quality Japanese films and a cheerleader for emerging filmmakers from Japan, SAKKA has distributed 16 award-winning films so far (https://www.sakkafilms.com/).