SAWAKO DECIDES Gets Limited Release in UK Cinemas July 8th

Source: Third Window Films, The Associates press release Official Movie Site: kawasoko.com (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/sawako-decides (UK) Special Thanks to Adam Torel Yuya Ishiis award winning comedy SAWAKO DECIDES (川の底からこんにちは, Kawa no Soko Kara Konnichi Wa, 2010), comes out in cinemas this July at the ICA in London and various other regional UK sites. SAWAKO DECIDES was the 19th Pia Film Festival scholarship winner and was picked as official selection for both the Berlin Film Festival and London Film Festival (among many others). It made its North American premiere at the 2010 New York Asian Film Festival/Japan Cuts, and won awards for Best Film and Best Actress at the Fantasia International Film Festival. The film stars the critically acclaimed actress Hikari Mitsushima, who started her career as a child star in REBIRTH OF MOTHRA II (モスラ2 海底の大決戦, Mosura Tsuu Kaitei no Daikessen, 1997) before moving on to genre favorites such as ULTRAMAN MAX (ウルトラマンマックス Urutoraman Makkusu, 2005) and the DEATH NOTE films (2006). In recent years she has established herself with quirky performances in cult hits like LOVE EXPOSURE (愛のむきだし, Ai no Mukidashi, 2009) and KAKERA: A PIECE OF OUR LIFE (カケラ, Kakera, 2010). Mitsushima continues that trend with SAWAKO DECIDES, a touching story about "normal" life and trying to assert oneself in society. Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) has lived in Tokyo for five years, is working her fifth office job, and is dating her fifth boyfriend, who is also her boss at the office. Her life with her boyfriend Kenichi (Masashi Endo) and his daughter from a previous marriage, Kayoko (Kira Aihara), feels like a "compromise," and she endures each day feeling distressed about her career and love life. One day, she receives word that her father, Tadao (Kotaro Shiga), who runs a freshwater clam processing business in her hometown, has fallen ill. There is a reason why Sawako would rather not go back home so easily, but she reluctantly decides to return at Kenichis insistence. But Kenichi, who had actually quit his job shortly before Sawako, uses this opportunity to come along with Sawako with his daughter in tow. Thus Sawakos ordeals continue. Still, she takes over her fathers clam processing company and begins to work there. SAWAKO DECIDES (cert. 15) is released by Third Window Films and will open at UK cinemas on July 8th, 2011. Check the Third Window website for up to date information on cinemas and screening times. Director: Yuya Ishii Writer: Yuya Ishii Cast: Hikari Mitsushima, Masashi Endo, Kira Aihara, Ryo Iwamatsu, Kotaro Shiga Producer: Mayumi Amano Line Producer: Toshiyuki Wake Editor: Koichi Takahashi Assistant Director: Yuki Kondo Production Designer: Tatsuo Ozeki Cinematography: Yukihiro Okimura Music: Samon Imamura, Chiaki Nomura Lighting: Masao Torigoe Presented in Association with: TBS, PIA, Avex, Imagica Awards: 53rd Blue Ribbon Awards - Won Best Director, Fantasia Film Festival - Won Best Film, Best Actress Festivals: Berlin Film Festival, London Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, Japan Cuts