Crescendo House unveils new slate and first theatrical release

Crescendo House has acquired Zhang Lu’s "Ode to the Goose" and Julian Radlmaier’s debut film "Self-Criticism of a Bourgeois Dog". The boutique distributor also begins its first theatrical release this month with Nobuhiko Obayashi’s swan song, "Labyrinth of Cinema", which is currently playing in cinemas across the US until the end of January.

Jason Ooi, Founder of Crescendo House, says: “The goal is to develop these two underrepresented filmmakers as auteurs in the American landscape – with Radlmaier and Zhang Lu both working in similar veins as Bunuel and Hong Sang-soo respectively. We are thrilled to bring these new and unique filmmakers to wider audiences, and these two new films are ideal for a company like ours. Announcing these in the month we have our first theatrical release feels extra special.”

In "Self-Criticism of a Bourgeois Dog" (2017), the titular middle-class canine, a former filmmaker, reveals how he became four-legged after failing in love, apple-picking, and joining a revolution. "Ode to the Goose" (2018) follows Yoon-yeong who has been harboring feelings for Song-hyeon, a friend's wife. When he finds out that she is divorced, Yoon-yeong and Song-hyeon take a trip to Gunsan on a whim. They find lodging at an inn where the middle-aged owner lives with his autistic daughter, who does not leave her room. The four become star-crossed lovers in the city of Gunsan.

Earlier this year, Crescendo House announced its acquisition of Radlmaier’s "Bloodsuckers" from Berlinale 2021, and to "Fukuoka", also from Korean auteur Zhang Lu. For both directors, this will be their first time officially receiving US Distribution.

Last August, Crescendo House unveiled the label’s first Collector’s Home Video for "Labyrinth of Cinema" for its home distribution. The film then made its NA theatrical premiere at the closing night of the Japan Cuts festival. As "Labyrinth of Cinema" kicks off its theatrical run at Metrograph this week, the company announces the addition of screenings at multiple cinemas across North America throughout the Fall. Exhibiting cities include NYC, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Vancouver, Seattle, New Orleans, Portland, Dallas, and Madison, and Wisconsin.