Sakasama no Patema
The lead-up to the release of Sakasama no Patema in Japan has been pretty good as we’ve gotten a lot of teases, footage and previews along the way before it opened last week. Now the news has come down that US distributor GKids has picked up the rights to the feature film in North America. They’re tentatively planning a 2014 release for the film in theaters which will be followed up with a home video release afterwards. The feature was produced by Asmik Ace Entertainment and Purple Cow Studio Japan. The film comes from Yasuhiro Yoshiura as he serves not only as the writer but also the director, ensuring that his vision ends up on the screen. Yoshiura doesn’t have an extensive list of credits but he was behind the well receivedTime of Eve series back in 2008-2009 and has dabbled in short form animation otherwise.
Plot concept: In an underground world where tunnels extend everywhere, even though they live in dark and confined spaces, people wear protective clothes and lead quiet and enjoyable lives. Patema, a princess in her underground village, loves to explore the tunnels. Her favorite place is a “danger zone” that her village prohibits people from entering. Even though she’s scolded, Patema’s curiosity can’t be held back. No one ever explained what the supposed danger was. On her usual trip to the “danger zone,” Patema faces unexpected events. When hidden secrets come to light, the story begins to unfold.