GKIDS, producer and distributor of several Oscar-nominated animated features, today announced that it will bring a stylish and humorous ode to cinema Pompo the movie buff in theaters nationwide in April. Along with the full feature film, audiences will see a special introduction from director Takayuki Hirao, exclusive to Fathom Events screenings.

Continuing their partnership with Fathom Events, preview events for fans Pompo the movie buff will be released in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, April 27 (Japanese language) and Thursday, April 28 (English dubbed). The fan preview events will be followed by a limited theatrical release in select markets nationwide by GKIDS starting April 29.

Acclaimed director Hirao (god eater, The garden of sinners), known for its dynamic and maximalist animation sequences, returns to the director’s chair with this production from the brand new studio CLAP. An official selection and nominee for the Satoshi Kon Award for Best Animated Feature at the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival, Pompo the movie buff was released in Japan on June 4, 2021 and quickly became an independent hit. Fueled by excitement over the film’s domestic release, a crowdfunding campaign to create a 35mm copy of the feature film reached its fundraising goals of ¥10,000,000 (approx. US$91,000) in just 11 days. .

Pompo the movie buff

Synopsis: Pompo is a talented and courageous producer from “Nyallywood”, the cinema capital of the world. Although known for her B-movies, Pompo once told her film-loving but fearful assistant Gene that he would be directing his next screenplay: a delicate drama about an aging and tormented creative genius, starring the legendary actor and Brando-esque Martin Braddock, and a young actress looking for her first break. But when production heads for chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge and succeed as a first-time director?

Pompo the movie buff is an exuberant, rambunctious ode to the power of movies, and the joys and heartache of the creative process, as a new director and his team dedicate their lives to the pursuit of a “masterpiece.”

Pompo the movie buff

Tickets go on sale March 25 at FathomEvents.com, PompoMovie.com and box offices of participating theatres. The date tickets go on sale may vary depending on local theaters, so check back often. (Theatres and attendees are subject to change).