PRODUCTION NOTES

Romantic drama cinema maestro Isao Yukisada and Naoki-Prize winning 
author Areno Inoue
World-renowned director Isao Yukisada makes his anticipated return behind the camera after spending three years developing Before the Vigil, based on Areno Inoue’s original novel.Yukisada crafts Areno's highly-regarded depictions of male and female relationships into superb movie entertainment.

Hiroshi Abe leads a cast of Japan's biggest stars
Leading Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe (Toronto International Film Festival gala selection Thermae Romae) slimmed down considerably in preparation for his captivating performance as the cuckolded husband of wanton wife Tsuya. He is joined by an incredible cast of co-stars including Kyoko Koizumi (Tokyo Sonata), Maho Nonami (Isao Yukisada's Parade), Yoko Maki (Love Strikes!), Shioli Kutsuna( Beck) and Shinobu Ohtake (Postcard).

Director - Isao Yukisada - The Master of Love Stories.
Isao Yukisada is considered one of Japan's leading motion picture directors. Highly praised for his work with ensemble casts, his romantic dramas have received widespread acclaim and a strong following, particularly among female audiences. His feature film directorial debut, "Sunflower," received the FIPRESCI prize at the Busan International Film Festival. Three of his subsequent films, "GO," "a day on the planet," and "Parade," were selected for the Panorama Section of the Berlin International Film Festival. Among them, "Parade" won the FIPRESCI prize at Berlin's 60th edition. "Before the Vigil" marks Yukisada's long-awaited return to the director's chair after a three-year absence.