Director Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film, "Sheep in a Box," held its official screening in the competition section of the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024 [1].

Selection for the competition category places the film among the most prestigious entries of the festival. By exploring themes of artificial intelligence and humanoids, the project aims to showcase new modes of Japanese cinematic expression on a global stage [3, 4].

Lead actress Haruka Ayase walked the red carpet alongside Kore-eda and co-star Daigo of the comedy duo Chidori [1]. Ayase said that the audience's response during the screening was distinct from what she expected based on Japanese sensibilities. "The way laughter broke out here during the screening was very fresh, different from the reactions in Japan," Ayase said [1].

Kore-eda said he was satisfied with how the film was received by the international crowd. He said that the audience remained focused for the full two hours and laughed at the intended moments. "I felt that it reached them," Kore-eda said [1].

The 79th Cannes Film Festival took place in Cannes, France, from May 12 to May 23, 2024 [2, 4]. The official screening on May 16 served as a critical introduction for the film before its scheduled Japanese release on May 29, 2024 [1, 5].

This premiere represents a strategic move to validate the film's cross-cultural appeal. By debuting in the competition section, the production gains visibility that can influence its domestic reception, and potential for international distribution [3, 4].

“"The way laughter broke out here during the screening was very fresh, different from the reactions in Japan,"”

The inclusion of 'Sheep in a Box' in the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival signals a high level of international interest in how Japanese cinema navigates the intersection of humanity and AI. By contrasting the reactions of French and Japanese audiences, the production team is highlighting the universality of the film's humor and themes, which may bolster its commercial prospects upon its release in Japan.