Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired the North American rights to Takashi Miike’s “First Love” following its world premiere at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, the company announced Wednesday.
“First Love” marks the fourth collaboration between Academy Award-winning producer Jeremy Thomas and Miike. The film follows the stories of a young boxer and a call girl, who fall passionately in love while being caught up in a drug-smuggling scheme.
The film stars Masataka Kubota, Nao Omori, Shota Sometani and newcomer Sakurako Konishi.
“Takashi Miike is one of the most exciting filmmakers working in international cinema today,” said Doris Pfardrescher, President and CEO of Well Go USA. “His new film, ‘First Love,’ continues his extraordinary track record for interesting and provocative films and audiences will be blown away.”
Masaru Nakamura wrote the screenplay. Muneyuki Kii, Jeremy Thomas and Misako Saka produced while Shigeji Maeda, Hidehiro Itoh and Takara Kosugi executive produced.
“First Love” will be released in select theaters later this year, and a digital and home entertainment release will be scheduled for the first quarter of 2020.
The deal was negotiated by Pfardrescher on behalf of Well Go USA and HanWay Films with ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.
HanWay Films is handling worldwide sales and distribution, alongside TOEI Films who handle Asia and Australasia.