Akiyuki Shinbo’s FIREWORKS is the first title announced for a five animated picture distribution deal between GKIDS and Fathom Events. Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2017 TOHO / Aniplex / SHAFT / KADOKAWA / TOY’S FACTORY / JR Kikaku / Lawson HMV Entertainment / LINE

FIREWORKS Debuts with Premiere Event July 3 Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, are proud to bring five all-new GKIDS animated titles to U.S cinema audiences in 2018. The first title to be announced is Akiyuki Shinbo’s FIREWORKS (?????????????????????, Uchiage Hanabi, Shita Kara Miru ka? Yoko Kara Miru ka?, 2017) which will be released in movie theaters nationwide starting July 3, 2018, in both its original Japanese version and a new English version produced by GKIDS.

Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2017 TOHO / Aniplex / SHAFT / KADOKAWA / TOY’S FACTORY / JR Kikaku / Lawson HMV Entertainment / LINE

FIREWORKS -- aka FIREWORKS, SHOULD WE SEE IT FROM THE SIDE OR THE BOTTOM? -- is the newest release from Toho animation and producer Genki Kawamura, following the worldwide blockbuster YOUR NAME (?????, Kimi no Na wa., 2016), the highest-grossing anime of all time. GKIDS will premiere the feature as a special Fathom event on July 3, with encore screenings July 5 and 7. The film will receive a theatrical release by GKIDS starting July 4. More details for FIREWORKS, including show times, theater locations and ticketing will be announced in the coming weeks at FathomEvents.com and FireworksMovie.com. Producer Genki Kawamura follows up his mega-hit YOUR NAME with another tale of star-crossed teenage lovers and a sci-fi fantasy twist. FIREWORKS tells a simple story of adolescent longing that taps deep wells of emotion. It is tale of youthful wistfulness, missed opportunities and long-ago dreams, of the urgency of young lovers, and the desire to create a separate universe, a magic place outside of time, where they can be together. “We are excited to continue our partnership with GKIDS to offer brand new animated content in cinemas nationwide, starting with ‘Fireworks’,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “Fans of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the best of animation on the big screen throughout the year in a communal environment.” “GKIDS is thrilled to present FIREWORKS to anime and movie fans across the U.S. this summer, and to expand on our successful relationship with Fathom to bring more of the best animated films to the big screen throughout the year,” GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman said. “Our goal is to create a unique and exciting cinema event experience for moviegoers to come and enjoy these amazing films together with friends and family.” GKIDS and Fathom Events have partnered previously on the premiere event for MARY AND THE WITCH’S FLOWER (????????, Meari to Majo no Hana, 2017) from Studio Ponoc, as well as the ongoing STUDIO GHIBLI FEST series of animated masterpieces from Japan’s famed Studio Ghibli.

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit fathomevents.com.

About GKIDS

GKIDS is a producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2010, the company has scored an astounding nine Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations -- including THE SECRET OF KELLS, A CAT IN PARIS, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA and BOY AND THE WORLD. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki`s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world`s most coveted animation collections with titles SPIRITED AWAY, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, PRINCESS MONONOKE and others. GKIDS founder and CEO Eric Beckman is also co-founder of New York International Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest film festival for children and teens.