Not necessarily, because many, many Japanese films that didn't (and, in some cases, still don't) have a US distributor were screened at North American film festivals such as NYAFF, Japan Cuts, Fantasia, Japan Film Festival- Los Angeles, Anime Expo, etc. etc. Heck, I'm still waiting for some of the movies I've seen via fests to get a US buyer.

Judging from their previous events, the folks running AFFD certainly have the savvy and connections to deal directly with Japanese production companies and/or their foreign sales agents without having to wait around for a US distribution deal to happen. And if they are looking into it I wish them luck... I really enjoyed seeing YAMATO at AFM and hope other fans get to see the film on the big screen rather than just home video someday.

Keith
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Last Edited By: Keith Aiken Dec 11 10 7:09 AM. Edited 1 times.