Serena Motola, Seiya Matsudo and Ray Shirakawa have joined Seasons, the upcoming debut feature from Anky Cyriaque (Love and I Had a Fight), with more Japanese actors due to be added.
A tale of love, life, death and destiny that spans continents and time, the screenplay is by Oscar-nominated writer Kalman Apple (Speed for Thespians), based on an original story by Cyriaque (Seasons of a Soul). Shooting is set to begin in fall 2025 on locations in New York, London, Vancouver and Nepal.
The story follows a couple destined to fall in love but kept apart by the machinations of a vengeful soul, and a 100-year odyssey through previous lifetimes for them to finally come together.
Talks are ongoing with two high-profile Hollywood actors, in addition to further Japanese talent, who will join Canadian singer and songwriter Kreesha Turner.
Cyriaque says he has been “nurturing the dream of Seasons for ten unforgettable years.”
“What started as a spark of imagination has taken me on an extraordinary journey across the vibrant streets of London, the serene beauty of Japan, and the towering landscapes of Nepal,” Cyriaque told The Hollywood Reporter.
Reflecting the international cast, Seasons will fuse English and Japanese.
“Being from Haiti, my conversations with family and friends are a vibrant mix of English and Creole – it’s the rhythm of my life. That’s why it felt only natural to infuse Seasons with the same multilingual spirit. In the story, the dialogue dances between English and Japanese, with some conversations starting in one language and flowing into the other. This mirrors the beauty of real-life connection – where words, cultures, and emotions blend,” said Cyriaque.
Actress, singer and model Motola (Ice Cream Fever, Voices in the Wind) will play Eiko, a young woman who escapes her family’s expectations of a traditional life in Japan but finds herself entangled in a romantic web in New York.
“Eiko is fascinating, and I can’t wait to add my vision to the character,” said Motola.
Competing for Eiko’s affection is Yutaka, to be portrayed by Matsudo (The Flash, The Man in the High Castle).
“I do think of my character as a kindred spirit, and I love so much of what he strives for in New York City. I am feeling blessed to be part of this phenomenal story and looking forward to working with these amazing artists,” said Matsudo.
Shirakawa commented: “As the title Seasons suggests, it depicts the cycles of life and the seasons of the soul. I believe that the themes of life’s choices and relationships, which everyone experiences, are sure to resonate with audiences.”
A long-time fan of Japanese movies, Cyriaque acknowledges the influence on his filmmaking.
“Japan has always held a special place in my heart, and my passion for Japanese cinema runs deep. From the soul-stirring beauty of Drive My Car [Ryusuke Hamaguchi] to the heartfelt narrative of Her Love Boils Bathwater [Ryota Nakano], I’ve been captivated by the storytelling brilliance. But where my heart truly races is in the realm of Japanese horror — the haunting tension of Audition [Takashi Miike], the psychological depths of Cure [Kiyoshi Kurosawa], and the chilling thrills of Suicide Club [Sion Sono] are experiences I’ll never forget,” Cyriaque added.
The filmmaker hails the work of Tokyo-based producer Ivan Collazo, and Kosei James Ono, who will also appear in Seasons, in bringing the Japan cast onboard.
Seasons will be produced by Meosha Davis, Cordero Sinclair, Jamar Atkinson, Joel Quinones and Joseph Philippe AKA Joey MHZ.