Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!
| Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Josef Kubota Wladyka |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Daniel Satinoff |
| Edited by | Benjamin Rodriguez, Jr. |
| Music by | Nathan Halpern |
Release date |
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Running time | 122 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages |
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Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is an upcoming American drama film directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka and written by Wladyka and Nicholas Huynh. It stars Rinko Kikuchi, Alberto Guerra, Alejandro Edda, You, Yoh Yoshida, and Damián Alcázar.
The film marks a stylistic departure for Wladyka, moving from the gritty thrillers of his previous work into a music-driven character study.[1] It is scheduled to premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.[2]
Premise
Haru (Rinko Kikuchi) and Luis (Alberto Guerra) are passionate competitors in the Tokyo ballroom dance scene. After a tragedy causes Haru to withdraw into isolation, her friends coax her back to the studio, where she develops an infatuation with a new instructor. As sparks fly, Haru must navigate her grief and her newfound desire.[3]
Cast
- Rinko Kikuchi as Haru
- Alberto Guerra as Luis
- Alejandro Edda
- You
- Yoh Yoshida
- Damián Alcázar
Production
The film is directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka, who previously collaborated with lead actress Rinko Kikuchi on the Max series Tokyo Vice, where he directed episodes and she starred as Emi Maruyama.[4] Wladyka also serves as a producer alongside Kimberly Parker Zox and Mao Nagakura.
The project highlights a unique cultural intersection, featuring a Japanese lead cast alongside prominent Latin American actors Alberto Guerra and Damián Alcázar.[5] The film features dialogue in Japanese, English, and Spanish.
Release
Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! was selected for the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which will be held between January 22 and February 1, 2026.[6]
References
- ^ Perez, Rodrigo (December 10, 2025). "Sundance 2026: New Films From Olivia Wilde, Josephine Decker, Alex Gibney, Gregg Araki, Kogonada, Jay Duplass [Full Lineup]". The Playlist. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ "The Friend's House Is Here". Sundance Film Festival. December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Sundance Film Festival Program: Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!". Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 10, 2025). "Sundance 2026 Lineup Includes Films With Jenna Ortega, Charli XCX, Seth Rogen, Russell Crowe, Ethan Hawke & More In Park City Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ "Sundance 2026 Announces US Latinx and Latin American Selections". Cinema Tropical. December 12, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Sundance Film Festival unveils final Park City line-up". Screen Daily. December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.