A24 Partners With Happinet For Special Midsommar Screenings

In a significant development for independent cinema, A24 has formally joined hands with Happinet Phantom Studio. This partnership, announced in October 2023, signals the start of a new era in film production and distribution, particularly for audiences in Japan. The collaboration will be marked by a series of special screenings, showcasing the unique flavor of A24's storytelling filtered through the lens of Happinet Phantom.

The first of these exclusive screenings is set for April 24, 2025, at major TOHO Cinemas locations, where audiences will have the chance to experience the director's cut of the critically acclaimed film 'Midsommar.' This screening is part of a four-month event where a new A24 and Happinet Phantom Studio film will be featured on the 24th of each month, creating excitement among both cinema-goers and traditional film enthusiasts.

'Midsommar' is a horror-thriller directed by Ari Aster, known for his deep psychological explorations and stunning visuals. The film first premiered globally shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic on January 29, 2020, at Narita Airport, where Aster was present to promote it. The story follows Dani, who, after suffering a profound family tragedy, journeys with her boyfriend and friends to a remote Swedish village to partake in a once-in-90-years festival. What initially appears to be a paradise quickly morphs into a nightmare, obscured by powerful themes of loss, trauma, and cultural dissonance.

After its initial release on February 21, 2020, 'Midsommar' became a sensation on social media, inspiring countless discussions around its intricate plot, symbolism, and connections to Norse mythology. The film’s title trended on Twitter in Japan as audiences sought to dissect its many layers. Remarkably, 'Midsommar' remained in the box office top ten for 16 weeks, marking Japan as its most successful market worldwide.

The upcoming screening will feature 23 additional minutes of footage that were not included in the original movie, promising fans a deeper and perhaps even more unsettling dive into Aster's vision. Audiences eager for the original experience will also relish the newly added scenes that explore pivotal moments in the eerie and enchanting story.

Alongside the screenings, audiences can also look forward to exclusive giveaways. Both theaters will provide special stickers designed by renowned illustrator Higechuu in collaboration with designer Iori Oshima. Designed in conjunction with the theatrical release, these stickers symbolize the haunting yet beautiful aesthetics of 'Midsommar,' and fans will have the chance to collect them during the event.

Currently, the A24 and Happinet Phantom Studio partnership is gearing up for more exciting releases. Nicole Kidman’s new film 'Baby Gurl,' which has been hailed as “the most provocative in A24 history,” will hit theaters on March 28, 2025. Following that, 'The Strangers,' a psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, will be unveiled on April 25, 2025, ensuring that the cinematic journey continues.

Additionally, audiences can anticipate 'The Bird at the End,' featuring a unique narrative about a fantastical occurrence involving a mother and daughter, which will premiere on April 4, 2025, in TOHO Cinemas Lalaport Yokohama and other venues. This eclectic lineup indicates an exciting and diverse range of storytelling that A24 and Happinet Phantom are dedicated to bringing to viewers in Japan.

As excitement builds for 'Midsommar Director's Cut' and the new films from A24 and Happinet Phantom Studio, moviegoers are reminded that this is an opportunity not only to experience unique cinema but also to form communal bonds through shared storytelling. Fans of all genres should not miss this remarkable gathering that bridges two continents through film.

'Midsommar Director's Cut' is rated R18+ and will be screened at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and TOHO Cinemas Namba on April 24. Regular tickets will cost 2,000 yen, with a student discount of 1,000 yen available for university students and younger audiences. However, the use of discount tickets or promotional codes does not apply during these special screenings.

As the new partnership between A24 and Happinet Phantom Studio fully kicks off, fans are sure to have plenty to look forward to in terms of thrilling content, passionate performances, and events that will make cinema feel alive again in post-pandemic Japan.