Keanu Reeves-Voiced Stop-Motion Samurai Film ‘Hidari’ Looks for New Partner After U.S. Talks Stall
Dwarf Studios is seeking a new partner for its stop-motion samurai film 'Hidari,' featuring Keanu Reeves, after negotiations with a U.S. investor fell through. The studio aims to retain creative control and partial rights to the project.
Why it matters
Illustrates the challenges independent international studios face when navigating Hollywood funding and the struggle to maintain creative autonomy.
Keanu Reeves-Voiced Stop-Motion Samurai Film ‘Hidari’ Looks for New Partner After U.S. Talks Stall Japan's Dwarf Studios is looking for a new partner for "Hidari," the stop-motion samurai film voiced by Keanu Reeves, after talks with a U.S. company that offered to fund the entire budget in exchange for all rights stalled, producer Matsumoto Noriko told an audience at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) on Sunday.
Dwarf Studios co-founder and head producer Matsumoto was speaking at "Co-Producing with Japan: Opportunities and Challenges," a Producer Hub session co-hosted by VIPO. Japan is the Producer Hub's focus country this year. She was joined by Questry CEO Ibe Tomonobu and Knockonwood founder Yamaguchi Shin, with VIPO's Tanimoto Hiroyuki moderating. Kawamura Masashi directs "Hidari," produced by Dwarf, Whatever and Tecarat.
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