Hirokazu Koreeda’s Sci-Fi Drama Sheep In The Box Lands UK Distribution

Hirokazu Koreeda’s Cannes competition film Sheep In The Box heads to UK and Ireland through Picturehouse Entertainment. / Sheep in the Box Production Committee / Gaga

Hirokazu Koreeda’s Sci-Fi Drama ‘Sheep In The Box’ Lands UK-Ireland Distribution Ahead of Cannes Premiere

Picturehouse Entertainment has acquired UK and Ireland distribution rights for Sheep In The Box, the latest feature from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda.

The project will premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and marks Koreeda’s latest return to the international festival circuit following films including Monster, Broker, and Palme d’Or winner Shoplifters.

Set in the near future, Sheep In The Box follows a married couple who choose to bring a humanoid robot into their home and raise it as their son.

The film stars Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto.

Domestic U.S. distribution is being handled by Neon, while international sales are managed by Goodfellas and Gaga Corporation.

The film is produced by Fuji Television Network, Gaga Corporation, Toho, and AOI Pro.

Picturehouse Entertainment managing director Sara Frain confirmed the acquisition and referenced the company’s previous collaborations involving Koreeda’s recent work.

The science fiction premise marks another genre shift for Koreeda, whose filmography has primarily focused on intimate family dramas and emotionally driven character studies. Early details suggest Sheep In The Box will continue exploring themes of family, identity, and emotional connection through a futuristic setting involving artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics.

A release date for UK and Ireland territories has not yet been announced.