Venice, Italy – Celebrated Japanese animation director Mamoru Hosoda’s latest feature film, Scarlet (Japanese title: Hateshinaki Scarlet), is set to have its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The film will screen out of competition during the prestigious festival, which runs from August 27 to September 6 at Venice Lido, Italy. This marks a significant milestone for Hosoda, as it completes his selection across all three major international film festivals, having previously had films at Berlin and Cannes.
A New Chapter for a Visionary Director
Mamoru Hosoda, known for critically acclaimed works like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and Belle, continues to push the boundaries of animated storytelling with Scarlet. The new film, produced by Hosoda’s Studio Chizu, delves into a darker theme of “revenge” and explores complex emotional landscapes.
The Story of “Scarlet”
Scarlet centers on a powerful princess named Scarlet who embarks on a boundless journey of vengeance after her father, the king, is murdered. Following a failed attempt at revenge, she awakens in “The Land of the Dead,” a realm described as brimming with madness. In this world, those who fail to exact revenge on their nemesis and reach “The Endless Place” risk becoming “nothing” and disappearing entirely. The narrative follows Scarlet’s desperate quest through a reality where dangers lurk and sanity frays.
Voice Cast and Production
The film boasts a talented voice cast, with Mana Ashida lending her voice to Princess Scarlet and Masaki Okada as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. Other notable cast members include Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, Masachika Ichimura as Amulet (Scarlet’s father), and Yuki Saitō as Gertrude (Scarlet’s mother). Studio Chizu handles the production and planning, with Sony Pictures co-producing and managing global distribution outside of Japan, while Toho will handle domestic release in Japan.
Global Recognition and Festival Appearances
The selection of Scarlet for the Venice International Film Festival underscores the increasing international attention on Japanese animation. This achievement follows the success of previous Japanese animated films at major festivals, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo at Venice, and The Boy and the Heron making history as the first Japanese film to open the festival and later winning an Academy Award.
In addition to its world premiere at Venice, Scarlet is also confirmed for its North American premiere as a Special Presentation at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which will take place from September 4 to 14, 2025. This dual selection for two major global film festivals is a rare accomplishment for an animated feature.
Mamoru Hosoda expressed his honor regarding the invitation to the Venice Film Festival, stating, “Now, as we witness tragic conflicts around the world, I would like to bring this new work to everyone in the world, believing that finding love and living hand in hand together will affirm our future.” Hosoda is also expected to attend the festival in person.
Release Dates
Following its festival circuit, Scarlet is slated to open in Japan on November 21, 2025, and in U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025. The December U.S. release positions the film for year-end awards consideration, drawing comparisons to the successful awards season run of Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron.
