Vertigo Releasing has acquired the UK and Irish distribution rights and launched a trailer for ‘Minamata’ featuring Johnny Depp.
New York, 1971. Following his celebrated days as one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II, W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.
There, Smith immerses himself in the community, documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith’s images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience.
Based on a shocking true story, the film is directed by Andrew Levitas and also stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Ryo Kase, Jun Kunimura, Bill Nighy and Katherine Jenkins.
The film had its world premiere at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival.
Also in trailers – Are you ready for the Zombie apocalypse? New trailer arrives for ‘Train to Busan presents Peninsula’
The film will be released in the UK and Ireland on 12 February 2021.
