Ha-chan, Shake Your Booty!

United States2026122 minJapanese, English, Spanish

Directing Award: US Dramatic

Haru and Luis love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. When friends coax her back to the studio, she develops an infatuation with the new instructor. She must face what comes next as sparks fly.

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Directing Award: US Dramatic

Director Josef Kubota Wladyka’s effervescent depiction of a woman dancing through her grief is as heartwarming as it is fun. Visually bold and brimming with whimsy yet grounded in emotional truth, the film pulses with vivid colors, vibrant music, and zesty characters. Acclaimed actress Rinko Kikuchi brings profound sensitivity and endearing charm to the role of Haru, deftly balancing the weight of a mourning widow with the spark of newfound desire. Breakout dance numbers offer a window into her fantastical imagination, featuring invigorating choreography matched by a camera that feels just as kinetic. While the film is anchored by processing grief, Haru’s journey bursts with so much messy life that it serves as a joyous reminder of the beauty of living, and living full out. — SO

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).

U.S. Dramatic CompetitionAll FeaturesBIPOC StoriesInternationalNon-English LanguageWomen-Centered StoriesComedyDramaFictionRomanceClosed CaptionEnglish SubtitlesOpen CaptionU.S. Only- less

Credits

Director(s)
Josef Kubota Wladyka
Screenwriter
Josef Kubota Wladyka
Nicholas Huynh
Producer
Kimberly Parker Zox
Mao Nagakura
Josef Kubota Wladyka
Executive Producer
James Hausler
Rinko Kikuchi
Kenji Ito
Cinematographer
Daniel Satinoff
Editor
Benjamin Rodriguez, Jr.
Composer
Nathan Halpern
Music Supervisor
Dina Juntila
Costume Designer
Babymix
Principal Cast
Rinko Kikuchi
Alberto Guerra
Alejandro Edda
YOU
Yoh Yoshida
Damián Alcázar

Contact
CAA Film Sales
filmsales@caa.com
4242882000

Meet the Artist

Josef Kubota Wladyka

Josef Kubota Wladyka is a New York–based film and television director. His acclaimed features Catch the Fair One and Manos Sucias earned multiple Film Independent Spirit Award nominations. He has directed episodes of Narcos, One Piece, and Tokyo Vice. Born to Japanese and Polish parents, he grew up near Washington, D.C., and holds an MFA in film from NYU.

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