It's directed by 'Lu Over the Wall' helmer Masaaki Yuasa.

Indie distributor GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for animated feature Ride Your Wave, which recently premiered at the Annecy animation festival in competition. It will get a North American theatrical release in early 2020.

This is GKIDS' fourth film from director Masaaki Yuasa, following local releases of Lu Over the Wall, Mind Game and The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl.

Ride Your Wave is a love story between a surfer named Hinako and a firefighter named Minato. Their bond is tested after Minato tragically loses his life in a rescue attempt, only to reappear from the water to Hinako whenever she sings their favorite song.

GKIDS’ president David Jesteadt and Fuji Creative Corp.’s Yoshiko Nakayama negotiated the all-rights deal.

Since 2010, GKIDS has earned 11 best animated feature Oscar nominations. Its 2019 releases include Funan, Weathering With You and Bunuel in the Labyrinth of Turtles.