Anime film Suzume will make an appearance at one of the biggest film festivals of the world.

Revealed yesterday, the film will make its international premiere at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, which takes place from February 16 through February 26. The film will be part of the festival’s Competition section.

Film director Makoto Shinkai said this about the forthcoming appearance:

“At its core, ‘Suzume’ is based on the massive disaster that occurred in Japan twelve years ago. I'm eager to see how this film translates to international audiences: what makes sense, what doesn't, and what common ground we have across cultures. The film's imminent international release will hopefully give me the answer to those questions. And, I cannot thank our team members enough for their unprecedented talent and perseverance throughout the film's production. On behalf of the entire team, I would also like to give thanks to all the fans who have cheered us on, making ‘Suzume’ possible.”

Actor Nanoka Hara also said:

“As someone who has never been outside my home country, it's a dream-come-true to attend the Berlin International Film Festival with the ‘Suzume’ team. Time and time again, I've been so happy to be a part of this film. I'm looking forward to seeing the international audiences' reactions at the festival and hope the entire world falls in love with the movie!”

Suzume will be released in theaters globally this April via Crunchyroll with assistance from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Wild Bunch International and Eurozoom in certain regions. A full list of release dates can be found here.

You can read our interview with J-rock band Radwimps about working on the film’s soundtrack here.

Since its release in Japanese theaters in November, Suzume earned 12.8 billion yen (approx. 99 million USD).

A synopsis for Suzume reads:

On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—

“Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.

Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.

—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.

Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…

Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.

Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.