Author: Newsroom
NEW YORK (June 4, 2025) – Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor GKIDS has announced today it has acquired all North American rights to LINDA LINDA LINDA, the 2005 Japanese comedy-drama film directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita. The cult classic title, starring Bae Doona (The Host, Broker), Aki Maeda (Battle Royale), Yu Kashii (Death Note), and Shiori Sekine (of the hit band Base Ball Bear), celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with an all new 4K Restoration set to debut at the upcoming Tribeca Festival on June 8th. The film will be re-released in Japanese cinemas starting August 22nd. GKIDS will release the film in theaters across North America and on home entertainment platforms this year.
First released domestically in Japan in 2005, the film has been acknowledged by many as one of the greatest Japanese film works of the 21st century. The soundtrack features original instrumental tracks composed by James Iha of The Smashing Pumpkins, various song covers from the hit band Blue Hearts, as well as songs from actress Shiori Sekine’s own band Base Ball Bear. The debut of the viral band The Linda Lindas sparked new attention to the classic film, having taken their name as direct inspiration from the film.
LINDA LINDA LINDA had a limited theatrical release in the United States in 2006 and has never held a nationwide release in North America.
LINDA LINDA LINDA marks another title in GKIDS expanding lineup of classic Japanese live-action features, following the GKIDS’ highly successful first-ever nationwide release of Hideaki Anno’s Love & Pop. LINDA LINDA LINDA is also GKIDS’ second collaboration with director Nobuhiro Yamashita, following the company’s production and release of the animated feature Ghost Cat Anzu, which Yamashita co-directed alongside Yoko Kuno. The deal was negotiated between Rodney Uhler of GKIDS, and Sayaka Ito of Bitters End.
“Nobuhiro Yamashita infuses ‘Linda Linda Linda’ with such an infectious level of charm and heartfelt emotion that makes it an irresistible joy to return back to time and time again,” said GKIDS Director of Content, Erica Chon. “GKIDS is proud to welcome such a timeless title to our catalog, and we are very excited to introduce this cult classic to a new generation of viewers.”
Outside the U.S., the film’s rights have been sold in South Korea, China, Singapore, and Taiwan, in addition to Japan and North America, with additional territories under negotiation, highlighting the film’s growing global attention.
