Special Guest Director Fumihiko Sori of “Fullmetal Alchemist” Will Attend Anime NYC’s

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New York, N.Y. (October 17, 2017) – Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll today announced the live-action film “Fullmetal Alchemist,” adapted from the bestselling Japanese comic series, will have its exclusive U.S. premiere on November 19 as the Closing Film of the inaugural Anime NYC convention hosted in New York’s Javits Center (655 W 34th St).

“Fullmetal Alchemist,” which tells the story of two alchemist brothers seeking the Philosopher’s Stone, is one of the year’s most anticipated films in Japan and for anime fans around the world, with the original comic series having sold over 70 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 2001. “Fullmetal Alchemist” director Fumihiko Sori will make a rare appearance at Anime NYC to introduce the film and sign autographs for fans before the debut, which will be the first screening in the U.S. ahead of the film’s premiere in Japanese theaters later this year.

Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll is a Japanese pop culture convention launching November 17-19, bringing fans together with creators and companies from across America and Japan. The “Fullmetal Alchemist” U.S. premiere will serve as the capstone for the weekend, which includes other highlights such as a day-long tribute to “Sailor Moon,” the U.S. premiere of “Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower,” and the Anime Diva Night concert featuring exciting performers straight from Tokyo.

The “Fullmetal Alchemist” U.S. premiere will take place at 3PM on Sunday, November 19 on Anime NYC’s Main Stage. The screening is exclusively open to Anime NYC attendees, with tickets for the premiere available for an additional $10. Anime NYC passes and “Fullmetal Alchemist” admission can be purchased at www.animenyc.com. Anime NYC passes range from $35-60.

“We’re honored to welcome Fumihiko Sori and the ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ film to Anime NYC,” said Peter Tatara, Anime NYC’s Show Director. “‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ will be one of the biggest films this year in Japan, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to debut it in the biggest city in America!”

“We are truly honored that ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ is chosen as the Closing Film of the very first commemorable Anime NYC,” said director Fumihiko Sori. “In July, we presented six minutes of footage of the film at L.A.’s Anime Expo and at Japan Expo in Paris, and we are so excited to bring the full feature to all of you from various countries. Please come visit us and meet Ed and Al in live action!”

“Fullmetal Alchemist” will premiere worldwide as the Opening Film of the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 25, and it will open in Japanese theaters on December 1. The live-action film features an all-star cast including Ryosuke Yamada (Edward Elric), Tsubasa Honda (Winry Rockbell), Dean Fujioka (Roy Mustang), and Yasuko Matsuyuki (Lust). Japanese singer MISIA performs the film’s theme.

The film is based on the original “Fullmetal Alchemist” comic series created by Hiromu Arakawa. Set in a world where alchemy is one of the most advanced sciences, it follows two brothers in search of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Published between 2001 and 2010, the comics ranked repeatedly on BookScan and USA Today’s top graphic novel lists, and the series’ first volume was the top-selling graphic novel in America in 2005. Arakawa’s original comic has since given birth to two animated series and movies, with the upcoming live-action film a new telling of this beloved adventure. Fans can read Arakawa’s original comic in the US through VIZ Media and watch its animated adaptations on Blu-ray from Funimation and online at Crunchyroll.

In addition to Fumihiko Sori, Anime NYC’s guests include Masaki Tachibana, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Yoko Ishida, Chihiro Yonekura, TRUE, Cherami Leigh, Cristina Vee, Danny Choo, LeSean Thomas, and Stephanie Sheh, and its partners and sponsors include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Kinokuniya, Kodansha, Sentai Filmworks, SUNRISE, Tokyo Otaku Mode, VIZ Media, Vertical Inc, and Yen Press.

Fans wanting to learn the latest news can follow Anime NYC on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.animenyc.com, which will be updated with more announcements and special guests leading into the show. Press interested in attending the “Fullmetal Alchemist” premiere or scheduling interviews with Fumihiko Sori can contact Joanna Heaney at joanna@lindarothpr.com.

About Fumihiko Sori
While at USC (University of Southern California) Cinematic Arts in 1997, Sori joined the VFX crew for James Cameron’s “Titanic.” He then returned to Japan to make his first feature, “Ping Pong” (2002), which was nominated for Best Picture and Director at the 26th Japan Academy Prizes and won him Best New Director at the 24th Yokohama Film Festival. Sori produced the 3DCG animated film “Appleseed” in 2004. He then directed the 3DCG animated film “Vexille” (2007), which was selected as the Opening Film of the Locarno International Film Festival. This blockbuster film was invited to numerous international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, etc. Sori’s other live-action films include “Ichi” (2008) and “Tomorrow’s Joe” (2011). He is highly considered as a unique talent who can direct a film with a human touch combined with stylish visuals.

About Anime NYC
Anime NYC is New York City’s anime convention! A showcase of the best of Japanese pop culture in the biggest city in America, Anime NYC brings anime fans and publishers together for three days of unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan. Join us for a celebration of Japanese animation, manga, cosplay, movies, food, fashion, travel, technology, toys, and games in the heart of NYC! For more, visit animenyc.com.

About LeftField Media
LeftField Media, LLC is an events company focused on developing face-to-face events in a range of communities rooted in contemporary culture and shared passion. LeftField was formed in 2014 by Greg Topalian (President, LeftField Media) and is now owned by Topalian and Clarion Events Ltd. With a keen sense of the ever-evolving needs of businesses and their consumers as well as new opportunities created by change, LeftField takes a clean slate approach to business. LeftField’s portfolio includes Play Fair (playfairny.com), a family-focused celebration of toys and play built with the Toy Association; Awesome Con (awesomecon.com), Washington DC’s Comic Con; Rose City Comic Con (rosecitycomiccon.com), Portland, Oregon’s Comic Con; Anime NYC (animenyc.com), a Japanese pop culture festival presented by Crunchyroll; and the Classic Auto Show (theclassicautoshow.com), a classic and vintage auto show launched in Los Angeles. LeftField Media is headquartered in historic Trumbull, CT. (leftfieldmedia.com)