The film ‘Dreamin’ Wild’ will be released in Japan on January 31, 2025.
Directed and written by Bill Pohlad, known for his work as a producer on films such as American Utopia and Brokeback Mountain, this is his first feature film since Love & Mercy in 2014. The film tells the remarkable true story of the brother duo Donnie and Joe Emerson. In 1979, in a rural town in Washington State, teenage Donnie and his older brother Joe formed a duo and created numerous songs in their father’s studio. Their album, Dreamin’ Wild, went unnoticed at the time but was rediscovered by collectors 30 years later, gaining popularity as a “buried masterpiece.” However, this unexpected success forces Donnie to confront the past and emotions he has long avoided. The film generated buzz after being selected for the Out of Competition section at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in 2022 and is set to be released in Japan as the fourth film under Filmarks’ movie label “SUNDAE.”
The protagonist Donnie is played by the renowned actor Casey Affleck, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 89th Oscars for his role in ‘Manchester by the Sea.’ Donnie’s wife, Nancy, is portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, known for her role as the heroine in ‘(500) Days of Summer,’ while the young Donnie is played by Noah Jupe, a rising talent who has appeared in notable films such as ‘Honey Boy’ and ‘A Quiet Place.’
The original teaser visual for the Japanese version was created by illustrator and manga artist Yusuke Saito, who is known for his work on various album cover art, including Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s Soranji and ELLEGARDEN’s The End of Yesterday, as well as his collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto in 2017. The artwork features Donnie (Casey Affleck) at the center, listening to records on a turntable, while behind him are images of teenage Donnie and Joe immersed in music. In the lower left corner, a house filled with family memories is depicted, conveying the film’s atmosphere. Saito also shared his impressions of the film after viewing it in advance.
When someone digs up the records from that era, I encounter the teenager I once was, preserved within those packages. I think everyone carries their teenage self inside, always keeping an eye on us. I felt as if I could hear it asking, “How’s everything going over there? Are you doing okay?”
Yusuke Saito
Additionally, stills from the film have been released. The images capture Donnie, holding a guitar with a complex expression on his face, alongside his wife Nancy, who stands close to him.
Dreamin’ Wild
Director, Writer, Producer: Bill Pohlad (Love & Mercy)
Cast: Casey Affleck, Noah Jupe, Zooey Deschanel
Year: 2022 / USA / Color / 2.35:1 / 5.1ch / 111 minutes / G / English
Original Title: Dreamin’ Wild
Distribution & Promotion: SUNDAE
©2022 Fruitland, LLC. All rights reserved.
In theaters nationwide from January 31, 2025, including TOHO Cinemas Chanter.
[STORY]
In 1979, a single album titled Dreamin’ Wild was recorded in a rural town in Washington State. As a teenager, Donnie formed a duo with his brother and created numerous songs in a studio built by their father. Despite their passionate efforts, their music went unnoticed, and their dreams felt out of reach. Fast forward nearly 30 years—Donnie learns that the album, discovered by collectors, has been reevaluated and is gaining popularity as a “buried masterpiece.” However, this unexpected success brings to light the past and emotions he has long avoided…
