The upcoming anime film Belle by director Mamoru Hosoda is getting a North American theatrical release set for Winter 2021.
Today, producer and distributor GKids announced it has acquired all North American distribution rights for the Studio Chizu-produced Belle. It also confirms the Hosoda anime film will release theatrically in both its original Japanese language and English dubbed version this winter. As such, this will qualify the film for 2021 awards consideration.
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GKids also handled North American distribution for Mirai, the last film by Hosoda and Studio Chizu. Making its debut in 2018, the film went on to receive both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
“I’ve been in love with Mamoru Hosoda since Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and every film since. Hosoda is a master at exploring humans’ relationship with technology in a changing world,” said Eric Beckman, CEO, and Founder of GKIDS. “Belle expands on the threads and themes of his previous works in an epic tour-de-force that is visually stunning, emotionally stirring, and deeply profound. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, and look forward to sharing what will surely be their most popular success to date.”
As mentioned above, Hosoda is in the director’s chair for Belle. Jin Kim, who has worked on Disney films like Moana, Tangled, and Frozen, designed the titular character. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart of Cartoon Saloon have provided artwork for the film’s virtual worlds while British architect and designer Eric Wong designed the world of “U.” Lastly, Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid V composer Ludvig Forssell is providing the score for Belle.
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Here is a brief synopsis for Belle according to GKids:
“Suzu is a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the Internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are.”
While it will be just a bit longer for the North American release, Belle will debut in Japan theaters on July 16.
