“HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! offers an effervescent spirit so often missing in this milieu, with a lovely performance from Kikuchi at its center.” - Kate Erbland, IndieWire
“Shimmering hues, clever dance moves and assists on grieving from a giant black crow add to the sensation of being swept away by wonderful madness.” - Peter Howell, Toronto Star
“Is it possible to mambo your way through mourning? To groove while grieving? To salsa your way out of sadness? HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! explores those questions in a highly entertaining, endlessly stylish way." - Taylor Gates, Collider
Opens September 25 | In this charming comedy, Haru and Luis love competing in Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene, but after tragedy strikes, Haru withdraws into isolation. When friends coax her back to the studio, she develops an infatuation with the new instructor. She must face what comes next as sparks fly. With stunning dance cinematography and a cadre of memorable off-beat characters, HA-CHAN SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! offers plenty of laughs and simultaneously portrays the burden of terrible grief.
Awards & Nominations
2026 Sundance Film Festival - Winner, Best Directing: U.S. Dramatic
2026 Toronto International Film Festival - Official Selection
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu