David Byrne's Japanese Visit Celebrated with Re-screening of 'American Utopia'
David Byrne, the legendary leader of the iconic band Talking Heads and a distinguished artist with accolades such as an Academy Award, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Tony Awards, will once again light up Japanese screens. Following the overwhelming success of the music documentary 'American Utopia,' which grossed over 140 million yen despite the pandemic challenges, a re-screening has been scheduled to commemorate Byrne's upcoming visit. Released on May 28, 2021, 'American Utopia' earned its place among the top ten films of the year in various film media rankings, captivating audiences with its unique and innovative presentation of live music.
The film is based on Byrne's 2018 album of the same name, which was adapted into a Broadway show that began in the fall of 2019. The original stage show received immense critical acclaim for its inventive format, prompting Byrne to collaborate with renowned director Spike Lee for the film adaptation. This resulted in a groundbreaking cinematic experience that is neither a traditional documentary nor a standard concert film—a true testament to Byrne's artistic vision and Lee's direction.
Byrne's creativity continues with the announcement of his participation in the forthcoming 2026 Summer Sonic festival, along with a solo performance as part of Summer Sonic Extra. This event reflects his unwavering connection with his fans and the music community. The re-screening of 'American Utopia' further reinforces his influence in the industry and serves as a perfect prelude to his concert appearances.
Screening Schedule
The following theaters will be showcasing 'American Utopia':
- - Century Cinema and Uplink Kyoto from July 31 to August 13
- - Theater Umeda from August 8 to August 13
- - Sapporo Theater Kino from August 8 to August 14
- - Shibuya Cinequinto from August 14 to August 20
Please consult each theater's official website for the most up-to-date schedule, as times may change without notice.
About 'American Utopia'
The foundation of the film 'American Utopia' is Byrne's 2018 album, which inspired the world tour and ultimately the Broadway show. The collaborative effort between Byrne and Lee is seen as a harmonious fusion of styles, creating a new form of live music film. Previous collaborations between Byrne and directors, such as the acclaimed 'Stop Making Sense' directed by Jonathan Demme, have set a high standard, but 'American Utopia' stands out for its fresh approach.
Film Information
- - Title: American Utopia
- - Director: Spike Lee
- - Producers: David Byrne, Spike Lee
- - Featured Musicians: David Byrne, Jacqueline Acevedo, Gustavo Di Dalva, Daniel Friedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Kaiser, Tendai Mwanza, Karl Mansfield, Mauro Refosco, Stefan Sunh Hung, Angie Swan, Bobby Wooten III
- - Year: 2020
- - Country: USA
- - Language: English
- - Color: Yes
- - Aspect Ratio: Vista
- - Audio: 5.1ch
- - Runtime: 107 minutes
- - Original Title: DAVID BYRNE’S AMERICAN UTOPIA
- - Subtitle Supervisor: Peter Barakan
©2020 PM AU FILM, LLC AND RIVER ROAD ENTERTAINMENT, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Distributed by Parco Universal Films. For more information, visit the official website:
americanutopia-jpn.com