Exciting Youth Music Film 'Gorilla Hall' Nominated for Yokohama International Film Festival

Introduction

The lively youth music drama 'Gorilla Hall,' produced by PIF Corporation based in Osaka, has made waves by being officially nominated for the competition category at the 4th Yokohama International Film Festival, set for May 2026. The announcement aligns with the festival's official communications, putting this film on the map for cinema lovers everywhere.

Movie Overview

Set against the backdrop of the GORILLA HALL OSAKA live house in Suminoe, Osaka, this film captures the struggles and dreams of aspiring musicians. The film marks the acting debut of singer AIK in the leading role, with music composed by the renowned Kj from Dragon Ash and The Ravens. The film has also garnered attention with the participation of executive advisor, Kyou-suke Yabe.

The early screenings were a resounding success, selling out quickly and receiving accolades from artists, including NAOKI from 10-FEET. The buzz generated by word-of-mouth and the live music culture has propelled the film towards a nationwide release, much to the excitement of music and film fans alike.

Festival Details

- Category: Competition
- Award Ceremony: May 2, 2026
- Official Screening: May 3, 2026
- Venue: Yokohama Minato Mirai area

For more details about the festival, visit the official Yokohama International Film Festival website: Yokohama International Film Festival

National Screening Schedule

In response to the anticipation from fans across the country, additional screenings have been confirmed:

Nagano

- Cinema: Nagano Sengoku Theatre
- Release Date: March 20, 2026
- Theatre Website

Akita

- Cinema: AL☆Theater (ALVE Theater)
- Release Date: March 27, 2026
- Theatre Website

Osaka

- Cinemas:

- Aeon Cinema Dainichi
- Aeon Cinema Ibaraki
- Aeon Cinema Rinku Sennan

- Release Date: April 3, 2026
- Dainichi
- Ibaraki
- Rinku Sennan
- Theater Aimyou (April 20, 2026)
- Theatre Aimyou Website

Hyogo

- Cinema: Cinema KOBE
- Release Date: April 11, 2026
- Theatre Website

Plot Summary

In 'Gorilla Hall,' we follow Asako (played by AIK), who works at the lively GORILLA HALL while pursuing her band career. She is the lead vocalist of 'GIRL TALKING ABOUT LOVE,' caught between dreams and harsh realities. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, Kazuya (played by Koun Shimamura), is on the rise with his successful band. When they get the chance to audition for a major label, Asako and her band must confront their true feelings. This poignant and powerful coming-of-age story beautifully depicts the growth of young people living for music.

Check out the trailers on YouTube:

Main Cast & Crew

- Cast: AIK, Koun Shimamura, Kyouko Matsushita, Ruu, Moriwo, Mitsuki Moriyama, Iori Abe, Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Yuka Kurotani, Ayumi Ito, Shinta Furuta, among others.
- Music: Kj (Dragon Ash / The Ravens)
- Executive Advisor: Kyou-suke Yabe
- Director & Screenwriter: Koji Uehara
- Production: 'Gorilla Hall' Production Committee

Soundtrack

Now available on various music platforms, the soundtrack album 'SWEET AND SOUR' features all eight songs performed by AIK, embodying the passion of the film. It also includes previously unreleased tracks co-written by Koji Uehara and Hidetoshi Nishihara, proving to be an essential listen that transcends a regular soundtrack.

Official Links

GORILLA HALL OSAKA

Launched in January 2023, GORILLA HALL OSAKA is a large live house themed as 'the perfect playground.' With a capacity of 1,300 for standing shows, the venue is designed to enhance the live concert experience itself, featuring an innovative U-shaped construction inspired by Western live houses.

Location: 1-1-82 Izumi, Suminoe-ku, Osaka
Access: 8-minute walk from Exit 2 of Suminoe Koen Station on the Yotsubashi Line
Contact: 06-6690-7771