Father's Hidden Life Unveiled Through Mysterious Key

The San Sebastian Film Festival competition title "In My Father's Room" is slated for its fall sales release. This film marks the feature directorial debut of acclaimed novelist Maha Harada, whose works have sold over 10 million copies. Originally known in Japan as "Muyou no Hito," the drama is based on Harada's short story "An Unnecessary Man."

The narrative follows Satomi, an art museum employee, who receives an unexpected key after her father's death. This key grants access to a room left behind by her father, who passed away a month prior. As Satomi investigates his final days, she uncovers the existence of a man society had overlooked.

The film features a cast including Aoi Yu and Ogata Issey, with Kitagawa Yoshio serving as cinematographer. Bitters End will oversee international sales and the film's release in Japan, scheduled for January 2027. The distributor has a long history of bringing international auteur cinema to Japanese audiences.