GKIDS and Anime Ltd. Acquire Global Rights to ‘The Colors Within’

GKIDS and European animation distributor Anime Ltd. have acquired global rights to Naoko Yamada’s new film “The Colors Within.” GKIDS has acquired the film for North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, while Anime Ltd. has acquired the film for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and all of Europe.

“We have long admired Naoko Yamada and her ability to create dazzling, emotional stories out of the everyday concerns of teenagers,” said GKIDS president David Jesteadt. “’The Colors Within’ is her most beautiful film yet, and we are proud to partner with our friends at Anime Ltd. on another soon to be classic from Science SARU and Story inc., who are responsible for some of the best anime productions of this new century.”

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According to an official logline, “The Colors Within” follows “a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections.”

“The partnership and coordination on the international release of ‘The Colors Within’ signals a new approach to film promotion: working together on a singular global vision whilst utilizing our respective local experience to maximize the impact of the film. Working in unison like this allows all of us to provide the best possible support for talented directorial voices,” said Anime Ltd. CEO Andrew Partridge. ”On a personal level, I’ve worked closely with promoting Naoko Yamada’s films before I even founded Anime Ltd. – starting with her debut feature film as a part of Scotland Loves Anime. So it’s a real pleasure to be bringing her latest work to as wide an audience as possible in Europe.”

Yamada directs with a script from Reiko Yoshida. Producers include Science SARU and Genki Kawamura under his Story Inc. banner. Takashi Kojima serves as character designer and animation director.

“The Colors Within” will have its world premiere screening in competition at the 2024 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, which takes place June 9-15 in Annecy, France.

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