The film “Sheep in the Box” (co-financed and produced by AOI Pro.), directed, written, and edited by Hirokazu Kore-eda, and starring Haruka Ayase and Daigo as double leads, scheduled for nationwide release on Friday, May 29, has been selected for the Competition section of the “79th Cannes International Film Festival,” to be held from Tuesday, May 12 to Saturday, May 23 (France local time), and its official screening has been decided.

This marks the first time in three years since “Monster” (2023, co-financed and produced by AOI Pro.) that a Kore-eda film has been selected for the Competition section at the Cannes International Film Festival, and the 8th time overall (10th time participating in Cannes International Film Festival in total).
In 2004, “Nobody Knows”, starring Yuya Yagira, won the Best Actor Award; in 2013, “Like Father, Like Son” won the Jury Prize; and in 2018, “Shoplifters” (co-financed and produced by AOI Pro.) won the Palme d’Or, the highest prize.
In 2022, “Broker” (distributed in Japan by GAGA, Fuji Television Network, AOI Pro.) won the Ecumenical Jury Prize and Best Actor (Song Kang-ho).
Also, the previous film “Monster” won the Best Screenplay Award (Screenplay: Yuji Sakamoto) and the Queer Palm, the first ever for a Japanese film, and has received numerous awards.

“Sheep in the Box,” for which distribution has already been decided in 184 countries and regions worldwide, has secured distribution by NEON in North America. Furthermore, theatrical releases are planned in various countries and regions around the world, including Asian countries and regions such as Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan; European countries such as France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain; as well as South America and Australia, and expectations and momentum are rising on the international stage.

At this time, the completed poster visual and scene stills have also been unveiled. The poster visual features the family of the couple played by Haruka Ayase and Daigo, and their humanoid son. What is reflected in their eyes as they look up in the forest? It is an impressive poster that suggests their choices and the future that follows. Stay tuned for “Sheep in the Box.”