The Seven breaks ground with first Film Baka's Identity

In just over three years, this achievement cements THE SEVEN's position as a creator of globally acclaimed, high-caliber content, building on its success in the streaming industry to now is steadily increasing its presence in the international film industry. The festival's historic shift to a main competition places it alongside cinematic giants like the Cannes Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival, and the selection of the studio’s film underscores the global relevance of its work.

Directed by acclaimed female director Koto Nagata, the film is a suspenseful human drama that fearlessly tackles the dark underbelly of modern Japan. It follows three youths as they navigate poverty and the criminal underworld, crafting a deeply moving story with themes that resonate on a global scale. This marks a new direction for the studio, delivering powerful entertainment while exploring poignant social themes.

BAKA’S IDENTITY is among the 14 films selected from across Asia to compete for the prestigious 5 genres of Busan Award, including Best Film Award. The festival's selection committee praised the film as "a complex psychological drama, a coming-of-age story, and a stark self-portrait of a modern metropolis where violence has permeated reality'.

The selection of BAKA’S IDENTITY is a launchpad for THE SEVEN's mission to bring a new wave of Japanese content to the world. This marks the beginning of its journey as it strives to rewrite a new chapter in global entertainment.
Director Koto Nagata and lead actor Takumi Kitamura shared their comments on the film's selection:

When I first heard the news of our selection for the Busan International Film Festival's Competition Section, I was with the three main cast members. I tried to act calm, but for a moment, I was speechless. It has always been a goal and a dream of mine as a director to stand on this festival's stage. To be honest, I was in such disbelief that the joy only slowly began to well up the next day.

For me, someone who has not had much of a connection to film festivals, BAKA'S IDENTITY is truly a make-or-break project. To have its world premiere at Asia's largest film festival is genuinely the ultimate honor for a director. And this year, of all years, is the monumental 30th anniversary. I couldn't be happier or more honored. I am so deeply grateful for this opportunity and good fortune.

Takumi Kitamura (as Takuya)
I am incredibly happy that BAKA'S IDENTITY has been selected for the Busan International Film Festival's Competition Section. To me, this film holds youth, tragedy, pain, and tenderness—all in equal measure. I hope the audience will witness the emotions of these characters, who live quietly in a forgotten corner of Japan, unnoticed by anyone, yet shouting by raising a small question as if to say, "We are definitely here."

Takuya (Takumi Kitamura) and Mamoru (Yuta Hayashi) are two young men from disadvantaged backgrounds who’ve been sucked into Japan’s criminal underworld. Their job involves posing as women on social media to exploit isolated men and sell their personal identities. When they’re not working, they’re just ordinary friends who like hanging out together and sometimes letting loose. But when Takuya turns to Kajitani (Go Ayano)—a big brother figure who introduced him to the world of underground crime—to help him and Mamoru escape, they discover it isn’t so simple. 

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