New film starring Rinko Kikuchi “HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY!” to be released on September 25, 2026

10/10/26

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• Sony Pictures Classics releases HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! nationwide in theaters on Friday, September 25, starring Academy Award nominee Rinko Kikuchi (BABEL, THE BROTHERS BLOOM). Co-written by Josef Kubota Wladyka and Nicholas Huynh and directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka, the film received the U.S. Dramatic Directing Award and a standing ovation at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

  Inspired by Josef’s mother, Ha-Chan, HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! follows Haru and Luis who 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. The film, shot in Tokyo, also stars Alberto Guerra (GRISELDA, NARCOS: MEXICO), Alejandro Edda (AMERICAN MADE, NARCOS: MEXICO), YOU (COME COME EVERYBODY, 9 BORDER) Yoh Yoshida (FLYING COLORS, POISON BERRY IN MY BRAIN) and Damián Alcázar (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN).

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  Watch Trailer

   

  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. (Visit the website for more details.)

  ■ Directed by: Josef Kubota Wladyka

  ■ Written by: Nicholas Huynh and Josef Kubota Wladyka

  ■ Starring: Rinko Kikuchi, Alberto Guerra, Alejandro Edda, YOU, Yoh Yoshida

  Run Time: 122 minutes | Language: Japanese, English, Spanish | Rating: Rated R

  Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival (’26) | Toronto International Film Festival (’26)