GKIDS has announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights to Summer Ghost, the debut short feature from acclaimed Japanese illustrator loundraw.
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The short feature was developed from a single illustration from loundraw and features original character designs from the artist. Production studio Flat Studio will be behind the short film, which was written by Hirotaka “Otsuichi” Adachi, with a soundtrack from renowned pianist Akira Kosemura.
Loundraw is best known for his work as an artist, where he’s been praised for his detailed spatial designs and use of colors and depth of field. After finding success as an illustrator, he began creating key visuals for various writers, which eventually led him into the world of film. His debut original anime, Until Dreams Awaken, was released on YouTube in collaboration with the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken, and he was also the concept designer on the recent anime adaptation of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
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“A local urban legend claims that lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will call the “summer ghost,” a spirit that can answer any question,” reads the official synopsis for the film. “Three troubled teenagers – Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryo – do not know each other yet, but each has their own reasons to show up one day. When a sparkler is lit, a ghost named Ayane appears, and she reveals she is only visible to those “who are about to touch their death.” The three teens return home, but Tomoya soon begins visiting the airfield alone, as he becomes obsessed with the mystery surrounding Ayane and the true purpose of her visits.”
