HIDIVE, AMC Networks’ anime streaming service, and IFC Films announced today their U.S. theatrical release for the critically acclaimed anime film The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes. The highly anticipated romantic fantasy, which is based on the popular light novel and manga series of the same name by Mei Hachimoku, will screen in cinemas Stateside starting Friday, November 3. The film will be presented in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub depending on date and theater location.
“We are excited to team with IFC Films on the U.S. release of The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “This award-winning and critically acclaimed film is sure to wow audiences. Anime fans will not want to miss this limited theatrical release in November!”
Tickets for the The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes will be available for purchase starting Tuesday, October 10 at tunneltosummer.com, which also provides a complete list of theater locations (subject to change). Tickets will also be available via participating theater box offices as well.
As part of today’s news, the companies also revealed they will be hosting a special movie panel featuring the stars of the English dub during New York Comic Con (NYCC) alongside the earlier announced World English Dub Premiere. The premiere and panel will take place on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern in Room 405 of the Javits Center at NYCC.
Synopsis: Kaoru Tono heard a rumor: The laws of space and time mean nothing to the Urashima Tunnel. If you find it, walk through and you’ll find your heart’s desire on the other side … in exchange for years of your own life.
One night, Kaoru just so happens to find himself standing in front of a tunnel that looks suspiciously like the one the rumor describes. He finds himself thinking of Karen, the sister he lost in an accident five years ago. To Kaoru’s surprise, he’s been followed by the new transfer student Anzu Hanashiro, who promises to help him experiment with the mysterious tunnel — but what does she want from Kaoru in exchange? And what will he have left to give, after the tunnel’s done with him?
Written and directed by Tomohisa Taguchi (Digimon Adventure and Persona 3 film franchises), produced by Pony Canyon and animated by CLAP, the film also features character design by Tomomi Yabuki and music by Harumi Fuuki; Yuki Hatakeyama is art director.
The Japanese voice cast includes (character – actor):
- Kaoru Tono – Oji Suzuka
- Anzu Hanashiro – Marie Iitoyo
- Shohei Kaga – Yu Hatanaka
- Koharu Kawasaki – Arisa Komiya
- Mr. Hamamoto – Haruka Terui
- Kaoru’s Father – Rikiya Koyama
- Karen Tono – Seiran Kobayashi
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes was recently honored in the feature film category at the 2023 Annecy International Animation Festival in France, where it received the Paul Grimault Award.
