Mamoru Hosoda's 'Scarlet' To Play Venice and Toronto Festivals.

Mamoru Hosoda is part of a very select club among Japanese animation filmmakers. He is one of the very few, outside of Studio Ghibli, to have achieved international success and name recognition. Alongside him are names like Makoto Shinkai, Naoko Yamada and the late Satoshi Kon. The release of a new film by him is a big deal in Japan, but also generates buzz worldwide. His films have also attracted attention from major film festivals.

It has been announced that his newest film Scarlet, will premiere at two major film festivals this year, on either side of the Atlantic. The film's world premiere will take place at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival aka the Biennale. After that, the North American Premiere will occur as part of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. 

Scarlet will be released in Japan on November 21.The film will then be released in the US on December 12, 2025, through Sony Pictures. Other international releases are to be announced.

Little is actually known about the film itself, although it is said to be a revenge story, with the titular character looking to avenge her father. The film is written and directed by Hosoda, with animation production by Studio Chizu. It marks Hosoda's first foray into full computer animation, although he insists that is neither "Hollywood-style CG" or 2D animation, but he is instead creating a completely new style of animation for the film. Either way, the art is looking pretty stunning.

This is not Hosoda's first rodeo when it comes to film festivals. His first film to be selected was Summer Wars, which was formally invited to the Berlin International Film Festival. Mirai saw his debut nomination for an Oscar and a Golden Globe, and his most recent film Belle was selected for screening at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. Belle also screened in competition at the London Film Festival.

In addition to his Oscar nod, Hosoda has won numerous awards. He has been nominated for several Annie Awards, winning a Special Distinction award for The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. The same film won the inaugural Japan Academy Prize for Animation Of The Year, a prize also won by Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and The Beast and Mirai.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars and Wolf Children have made their way back to the big screen this summer in the US and UK in new 4K restorations, ahead of their home release on shiny 4K UHD Disc.

The Venice International Film Festival runs from August 27- September 6. Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 4- September 14.