German novelist/director Doris Doerrie’s latest Nippon-set drama Cherry Blossoms – Hanami has been picked up by Strand Releasing for an Autumn release following the film’s two wins at the Bavarian Film Festival.
TV vet Elmar Wepper plays a terminally ill man who travels to Tokyo following his wife’s death in an attempt to make up for her lost life. She dreamed of being a Butoh dancer but gave up her aspirations for her rudderless husband. According to THR, the film is “a surprisingly deep tale about a middle-aged German couple discovering love on the brink of death.” Inspired by Yasujiro Ozu’s Tokyo Story, the picture is the third by the veteran helmer to be set in Japan following Enlightenment Guaranteed and The Fisherman and His Wife.
No word on why Strand didn't pick the film up at the Berlinale where the film screened in competition. Perhaps they were a bit trepeditious about the film's appeal when it didn't pick up any awards at the fest, especially given the lack of star power. Subsequent wins at the Bavarian Film Fest and the Lolas (where the film took home three awards) may have changed their minds. There may also have been some question as to whether Hanami fits with the company's image as gay/lesbian shingle. While there is a gay relationship in the picture, calling it a central part of the film would be tenuous at best.
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