Anime studio Bandai Namco Pictures has released a new trailer for its upcoming film Hula Fulla Dance.
Although Bandai Namco Pictures is known for its involvement in comedic-fantasy anime like the critically acclaimed Gintama series and the recent Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, its new film tells a more grounded and realistic story, focusing on a group of young girls who take up hula dancing at the Spa Resort Hawaiian hotel in Fukushima Prefecture. While Hula Fulla Dance was originally intended to debut this summer, the film's release was delayed and is now scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on Dec. 3.
Working alongside Bandai Namco Pictures is director Shinya Watada (Aikatsu Stars!, Gundam Build Divers) and supervising director Seiji Mizushima (Shaman King, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Fullmetal Alchemist). Reiko Yoshida, the creator of Tokyo Mew Mew manga and the screenwriter behind Kyoto Animation's critically acclaimed anime K-ON!, Liz and the Blue Bird, A Silent Voice and Violet Evergarden, is writing the screenplay. Michiru Oshima (Snow White with the Red Hair, Patema Inverted, Fullmetal Alchemist) will compose the film's score.
The rest of the film's confirmed crew include character designer Hiroko Yaguchi (Aikatsu!, Beatless), art director Kaori Hino (Napping Princess), color designer Masumi Ootsuka (Aikatsu!), director of photography Youichi Oogami (Cowboy Bebop, InuYasha), editor Kumiko Sakamoto (My Hero Academia, Dr. Stone) and sound director Eriko Kimura (Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Ponyo).
The film will follow protagonist Hiwa Natsunagi, an amateur dancer who takes a job hula dancing at the Spa Resort Hawaiian hotel. Natsunagi will be played by Haruka Fukuhara (Kirakira☆Precure A La Mode). Joining Fukuhara are voice actresses Karen Miyama (FLCL Alternative), anime newcomer Miu Tomita, Kaori Maeda (Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club) and Emiri Suyama (Aikatsu Friends!), who play fellow hula dancers Kanna, Ranko, Ohana and Shion.
Hula Fulla Dance will premiere in Japanese theaters on Dec. 3.
Source: Youtube
