PORTLAND/TOKYO -- LAIKA has signed a distribution deal with GAGA Corporation to release its latest film Kubo and the Two Strings in Japan in 2017. The exact release date is still to be announced. GAGA also distributed LAIKA’s first feature film, Coraline (2009).

LAIKA’s fourth film, Kubo and the Two Strings, marks the directorial debut of the company’s CEO & President and award-winning animator Travis Knight. It has been named 2016’s Best Animated Film by the National Board of Review and was recently nominated for a Golden Globe. It received 10 Annie Award nominations (including Best Animated Feature) and has been picked as the top animated movie of the year by the Atlanta Film Critics Society, Austin Film Critics Association, Boston Online Film Critics Association, Chicago Film Critics Association, Florida Film Critics Circle, Indiana Film Journalists Association, Las Vegas Film Critics Society, New York Film Critics Online, Online Film Critics Society, Phoenix Critics Circle, San Diego Film Critics Society, Utah Film Critics Association, and Washington DC Area Film Critics Association.

“Kubo and the Two Strings is a wholehearted love letter to Japan,” says Knight. “I first visited Japan when I was eight-years-old and it sparked a powerful and enduring connection within me. Traveling across the country to Tokyo, small seaside fishing villages, the hot springs in the volcanic hills, and the legendary Mt. Fuji opened my eyes to a different and breathtaking world. It was a revelation, and I was utterly in its thrall. My childhood introduction to Japan was the beginning of a life-long love affair with a great and beautiful culture, and I’m so pleased to be able to share this film, this expression of love of and reverence for this extraordinary place, with the people of Japan. Creating this film is the highlight of my professional life. To partner with GAGA, the country’s premier film distributor, to bring Kubo to Japanese audiences is a profound honor. LAIKA is incredibly excited and humbled by this opportunity.”

“It is a great opportunity and our honor to distribute Kubo and the Two Strings in Japan,” says GAGA Chairman Tom Yoda. “We distributed LAIKA’s first film Coraline in 2010 and continue to be so impressed by their creativity, craftsmanship and sophisticated technology. These attributes, as well as Travis Knight’s personal impressions of Japan that started with his childhood trips to our country, have helped LAIKA to reflect the inherent spiritual culture and sensitive world of Japan in this magnificent film. We are greatly honored to be appointed by LAIKA as the Japanese distributor and we are confident that the film will continue to enjoy success during awards season. We are sure that Japanese audience will enjoy their experience of Kubo and the Two Strings, ensuring great success for the film. “

Source: LAIKA