Get ready to trade your bath bombs for bite marks! Utopia has just snagged the U.S. distribution rights for Hot Spring Shark Attack, a wild and wacky Japanese flick about to make a serious splash on the indie film scene. This ain’t your typical shark movie, folks. We’re talking about a genre-bending, over-the-top extravaganza that’s already turning heads and tickling funny bones.
Hot Spring Shark Attack marks the directorial debut of Morihito Inoue, a name you might recognize if you’re deep in the kaiju film world. He’s a two-time National Independent Kaiju Film champion. That should give you a pretty good idea of the delightfully bonkers cinema we’re dealing with.
The movie is set in a small hot spring town in Japan. A ferocious ancient shark reawakens and terrorizes the local hot spring facilities. The townspeople unite to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator as the threat escalates.
The film premised at the 2024 Tokyo International Shark Film Festival, where it didn’t just swim; it soared! It snagged the Audience Award, proving its blend of absurdity and aquatic terror resonated with viewers. Now, it’s heading stateside, and the buzz is already building.
Hot Spring Shark Attack will make its U.S. debut at the Chattanooga Film Festival this June. Utopia and CFF are throwing a beach-themed opening night party, complete with surf rock tunes from BIG KAHUNA and themed beach beverages courtesy of Cathead Distillery. The night will culminate in a chaotic karaoke clambake.
The early word on Hot Spring Shark Attack is overwhelmingly positive. Utopia is even noticing some early awards buzz, with fans taking to Letterboxd to sing its praises. One user, The Lizard, declared that “real cinema is back” and called the film “a masterpiece from start to finish.” Another user, Hardkorman, echoed the sentiment. Utopia’s Head of Marketing and Distribution, Kyle Greenberg, playfully reacted to the positive feedback with a “Wait, we bought what!?” showcasing the surprise and delight surrounding the movie.
This acquisition signals Utopia’s commitment to pushing boundaries and bringing unique cinematic experiences to American audiences. Hot Spring Shark Attack is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the joy of embracing the absurd. So, grab your sunscreen, leave your socks at home, and prepare for a cinematic experience that’s as refreshing as a dip in a hot spring – with a side of shark-infested chaos.
