Cha-Cha

『 チャチャ』
Cha-Cha

North American Premiere. Former Nogizaka46 idol Marika Ito stars in the fourth installment of the “(not) HEROINE” movie series, which also includes I Am What I Am (JAPAN CUTS 2023). The (not) HEROINE project focuses on up-and-coming actresses and next-generation directors to create films from unique perspectives and non-traditional, female-focused stories. Cha-Cha is the love story between the titular Cha-Cha, a free-spirited artist, and Raku, a boy with increasingly questionable tastes. Cha-Cha is painted with the whimsical colors of a romantic comedy at its surface that belie much, much, much darker hues to be found in its deranged depths. Cha-Cha is silly, sweet, screwball, and completely unexpected.

Dir. Mai Sakai, 2024, 108 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Marika Ito.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2024
July 10—21, 2024

JAPAN CUTS is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America and an annual highlight of New York’s cinema scene.

Image: © 2024 “CHA-CHA” Film Partners.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family and Friends of Film. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film.