GKIDS announced today it has acquired the North American distribution rights for Summer Ghost, the debut “short feature” from acclaimed Japanese illustrator loundraw. The 45-minute film opened November 2021 in Japan; the stateside release will pair a new English-language dub with a production documentary and additional special content.
“We are very excited to introduce American audiences to a major new talent,” said David Jesteadt, President at GKIDS. “With Summer Ghost, loundraw has transferred his emotive illustration style to a story of human connection that meets our current moment.”
Synopsis: A local urban legend claims that lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will call the “summer ghost,” a spirit that can answer any question. Three troubled teenagers — Tomoya, Aoi and Ryo — do not know each other yet, but each has their own reasons to show up one day. When a sparkler is lit, a ghost named Ayane appears, and she reveals she is only visible to those “who are about to touch their death.” The three teens return home, but Tomoya soon begins visiting the airfield alone, as he becomes obsessed with the mystery surrounding Ayane and the true purpose of her visits.
Developed from a single illustration by loundraw, the film features original character designs from the artist, and is produced by Flat Studio — the all-new animation/creative services studio he established in 2019 (High Card, Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song). Joining him on the project are novelist Hirotaka “Otsuichi” Adachi (Goth, Calling You, Zoo) who wrote the screenplay, and internationally renowned pianist Akira Kosemura for the soundtrack.
Celebrated for his detailed spatial designs, use of transparent, airy colors and attention to depth of field, loundraw began his career as an illustrator when he was a teenager, finding early success on online platforms. He also created key visuals for various notable writers, including illustration for Yuro Sumino’s novel I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, which was later adapted to a theatrical film. Loundraw’s debut original animation Until Dreams Awaken was released on YouTube in collaboration with the wildly popular Japanese alt rock band Bump of Chicken, and swiftly hit over 2 million views. He was also concept designer for the recent anime adaptation of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
