Directed by Kenji Iwaisawa (ON-GAKU: Our Sound)
GKIDS to Release in North American Theaters This October
GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the globe, has boarded 100 Meters (Hyakuemu), the upcoming new animated feature film from acclaimed director Kenji Iwaisawa (ON-GAKU: Our Sound) as producing partners, in addition to handling the distribution rights for North America. GKIDS will release 100 Meters in North American theaters this October, in original Japanese and a new English version. The film will be released domestically in Japan on September 19th.
Based on the beloved manga by Uoto, author of “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth”, which also received a recent anime adaptation, the heart-pounding and exhilarating adaptation of 100 Meters was first announced prior to its sold-out Work-in-Progress session at last year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Currently in production at studio Rock’n Roll Mountain, Director Iwaisawa is joined by character designer and executive animation director Keisuke Kojima, and art director Keikankun Yamaguchi. The screenplay is written by Yasuyuki Muto (Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, Tokyo Revengers), and the score is composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi (Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone). In addition to GKIDS, the project is being produced by Pony Canyon, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and Asmik Ace.
The project is helmed by director Kenji Iwaisawa, who quickly rose to prominence after his debut film, the deadpan music comedy ON-GAKU: Our Sound. An independent film in production for over seven years, ON-GAKU: Our Sound was composed of over 40,000 hand-drawn frames, using the Rotoscoping animation technique, and went on to receive multiple award nominations including Best Independent Animated Feature at the Annie Awards. GKIDS distributed ON-GAKU: Our Sound in North America, and 100 Meters marks the second collaboration between GKIDS and Kenji Iwaisawa.
100 Meters follows Togashi, a track star who is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, and Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves.
“I am very excited to be working with GKIDS once again to bring ‘100 Meters’ to a wider audience,” said Director Kenji Iwaisawa. “I feel that this film, which depicts men obsessed with running faster than anyone else, could be a work that resonates with audiences around the world, and I would like to bring you a special cinematic experience.”
“We are beyond honored to partner on 100 Meters, and help bring this incredible film to North America,” said GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt, who also serves as a producer on the film. “Director Iwaisawa has proven once again why sports has continued to be such an ideal lens to view and understand the human spirit. Even in something as simple a 100 meter race, the entire kaleidoscope of human emotion comes into play. I look forward to sharing this new sports classic with audiences soon.”