Sonoya Mizuno's Directorial Debut 'Stages' Begins Filming with Star-Studded Cast
Sonoya Mizuno has started shooting her first feature as director, titled 'Stages', in the United Kingdom with an ensemble that includes Julie Delpy, Takehiro Hira, Kathryn Hunter, Kate Dickie and Emma D'Arcy.
Filming has commenced on 'Stages', the first film directed by Sonoya Mizuno, known for roles in 'Ex Machina' and 'House of the Dragon'. Shot in the United Kingdom, the movie assembles a diverse cast that includes Julie Delpy, Takehiro Hira, Kathryn Hunter, Kate Dickie and Emma D'Arcy. Production is backed by Peter Rice and Agile Films' Sam Ritzenberg and Myles Payne, with Alex Garland serving as a producer and Jeremy Thomas as executive producer.
A24 will release the film in the United States, while Focus Features and Universal Pictures International will distribute it abroad. The plot centers on a young dancer at an elite ballet academy whose chance at a coveted recital lead is shattered by a personal loss. The creative team features cinematographer Wyatt Garfield, costume designer Neesha Tulsi Champaneria, production designer Anna Rhodes, editor Shahnaz Dulaimy, and choreographer Hofesh Shecht. Mizuno, a former ballet dancer trained at the Royal Ballet School, brings her performance background to the project.
Why it matters
The film marks a high-profile actress's transition to directing, attracting major distributors and a notable international cast.
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