A defining voice in contemporary Japanese independent cinema is bringing his latest critically acclaimed work to New York this April. Sho Miyake’s “Two Seasons, Two Strangers,” which earned the prestigious Golden Leopard at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival, will be screened at Film at Lincoln Center and MoMA’s New Directors/New Films festival before opening at the Metrograph on April 24th. The film marks a significant moment in Miyake’s career, representing his ninth feature film and his first to receive a proper U.S. Release.
Miyake, known for his introspective and visually striking films like “All the Long Nights” and “Small, Leisurely but Steady,” continues to explore the complexities of human connection in “Two Seasons, Two Strangers.” The film stars a talented ensemble cast including Shim Eun-kyung (“Miss Granny”), Yuumi Kawai (“Desert of Namibia”), Shinichi Tsutsumi (“Always: Sunset on Third Street”), and rising actor Mansaku Takada. The narrative unfolds across two distinct seasons, presenting parallel stories of encounters and introspection.
The official synopsis details two interwoven narratives: a summer meeting between Nagisa and Natsuo by the sea, and a winter encounter between screenwriter Li and innkeeper Ben-zō in a snow-covered village. These seemingly disparate stories, linked by themes of loneliness and the search for meaning, create a compelling and emotionally resonant experience. The film, based on two manga by Yoshiharu Tsuge, a celebrated figure in Japanese avant-garde cartooning, demonstrates Miyake’s ability to translate complex narratives from one medium to another.
IndieWire, which debuted the trailer, praised the film as a “true masterpiece,” highlighting Miyake’s skill in bringing “real interiority to fable-like storytelling.” Critic Josh Slater-Williams noted that Miyake’s adaptation of manga is a natural fit for his filmmaking style, building on his previous work which drew inspiration from novels and autobiographies.
Watch the trailer for “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” below:
A Golden Leopard Winner
The win at the Locarno Film Festival, where “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” received the Golden Leopard, marks a historic achievement for Japanese cinema. According to The Asahi Shimbun, it was the first time a Japanese director had claimed the top prize at Locarno in 18 years. The film was also hailed by Shiguéhiko Hasumi, Japan’s greatest living film critic, as a “true masterpiece.”
Screening Schedule and Limited Release
New York audiences will have several opportunities to experience “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” firsthand. The film will play at New Directors/New Films on April 17th and 19th. Following this, Several Futures will open the film at the Metrograph on April 24th, with plans for a limited expansion to additional theaters afterward.
The film’s structure, presenting two distinct narratives, offers a unique cinematic experience. As the synopsis explains, the summer story focuses on a chance encounter by the sea, while the winter story follows a screenwriter seeking inspiration in a remote village. These parallel journeys explore themes of isolation, connection, and the search for meaning in unexpected places.
“Two Seasons, Two Strangers” promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning addition to the landscape of independent cinema. With its critical acclaim and upcoming screenings, the film is poised to captivate audiences and solidify Miyake’s position as a leading voice in Japanese filmmaking.
As “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” prepares for its wider release, audiences can anticipate a film that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for connection. The limited expansion following the Metrograph opening suggests a carefully curated rollout, allowing the film to reach a dedicated audience. Keep an eye on Several Futures and the Metrograph website for updated screening information and further details.
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