Bitters End Secures International Sales Rights for ‘Two Seasons, Two Strangers’
Bitters End, a prominent Japanese film distributor, has acquired the international sales rights for the upcoming feature film Two Seasons, Two Strangers. This announcement comes just ahead of the Cannes film market, showcasing the company’s commitment to cultivating diverse cinema.
About Bitters End
With a robust history spanning three decades, Bitters End is well-regarded in the industry for distributing works from internationally acclaimed directors such as Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Bong Joon-Ho, the Dardenne brothers, and Jia Zhangke. Recent notable acquisitions include:
- Anora
- Sex/Love/Dreams
- Caught by the Tide
- La Chimera
- Perfect Days
The company also produced the Academy Award-winning film Drive My Car.
Film Details
Directed by Sho Miyake, Two Seasons, Two Strangers features acclaimed actors Shim Eun-kyung and Shinichi Tsutsumi. Shim is known for her roles in Miss Granny and The Journalist, while Tsutsumi is recognized from Always: Sunset on Third Street. The film is currently in post-production and aims for a domestic release in Japan in November.
Adaptation and Themes
Miyake’s new film is adapted from the works of renowned manga artist Yoshiharu Tsuge, specifically focusing on Mister Ben of the Igloo and A View of the Seaside. The narrative centers on Li, a screenwriter portrayed by Shim, who embarks on a journey of introspection after an unexpected encounter with a character named Benzo, played by Tsutsumi. Through her scriptwriting, Li delves into significant human connections.
Miyake expressed his enthusiasm regarding the adaptation, stating, “It was so fascinating that it sometimes felt overwhelming. I have a strong feeling that something truly new is taking shape.”
Co-Productions and Future Releases
Bitters End will handle both the international sales and Japanese distribution for Two Seasons, Two Strangers. The film is co-produced by Culture Entertainment, Sedic International, and TheFool.
In addition to this acquisition, Bitters End will present a selection of films at Cannes, including:
- Linda Linda Linda 4K—a restored edition of Nobuhiro Yamashita’s cult classic.
- After the Quake—an adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short stories by Tsuyoshi Inoue.
- White Flowers and Fruits—the debut feature from Yukari Sakamoto, produced by Drive My Car producer Teruhisa Yamamoto.