Film About An All-Girl Rock And Roll Band A Favorite At International Film Festivals And Features Soundtrack By Ex-Smashing Pumpkins Guitarist

San Francisco, CA, January 8, 2007 — VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC, the leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the theatrical screening of the critically acclaimed rock and roll film LINDA LINDA LINDA in Cambridge, MA. The film debuted in New York City to rave reviews.  The Boston release will take place at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge beginning on January 12th running through January 18th, 2007.

LINDA LINDA LINDA was directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita and depicts what happens to an all-girl high school rock band following an untimely break-up over musical differences. Only three days before their high school festival, guitarist Kei (Yu Kashii), drummer Kyoto (Aki Maeda of Battle Royale), and bassist Nozumi (Shiori Sekine) are forced to recruit a new lead vocalist for their band. They choose Korean exchange student Son (Doona Bae of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance), though her comprehension of Japanese is a bit rough! It’s a race against time as the group struggles to learn three tunes for the festival’s rock concert—including a classic '80s punk-pop song by the Japanese group The Blue Hearts called “Linda Linda”…

LINDA LINDA LINDA is ultimately about the growing camaraderie between the band and their new singer and the amusingly awkward relationships between each girl and her respective family, teachers and other students

The film has been critically acclaimed at more than 40 film festivals around the world, including Toronto International Film Festival, London International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, etc. Linda Linda Linda was also named 2006 Winner, “Number One Film of the Year by Eiga Geijutsu Magazine which is one of the most prestigious film magazines in Japan. The film garnered rave reviews at its US premiere in New York and continues the momentum as it makes it's way across the country in selected cities.

The film’s eclectic score, composed by ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, combined with the infectious covers of several Blue Hearts songs, a cameo appearance by the Ramones, and a healthy does of punk belligerence produces this wonderfully entertaining and off-beat story. Audiences will root for these young musicians to overcome the dramas of high school rivalries in this film gem. For more information on the film please go to http://linda-movie.com.

“VIZ Pictures is pleased to release LINDA LINDA LINDA domestically and we look forward to its warm reception by audiences here.” says Manami Iiboshi, the director of marketing for VIZ Pictures. “The newly launched VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media is committed to bringing a variety of unique titles from Japan to the U.S. Our first release, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, has been acclaimed by film critics and together with LINDA LINDA LINDA demonstrates the kinds of distinctive titles VIZ Pictures will continue to offer.”

The screening will take place at the The Brattle Theatre located at 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. More information on the screening can be found at http://www.brattlefilm.org.

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.

Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture.  VIZ Pictures approaches each film release from a J-pop fan's point of view. TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the first VIZ Pictures title, and the company will continue to offer the most entertaining live action motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.

© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546–7073; Fax (415) 546–7086; and web site at www.viz.com.

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