Movie: The Curtain Rises (literal title) Romaji: Maku ga Agaru Japanese: 幕が上がる Director: Katsuyuki Motohiro Writer: Oriza Hirata (novel), Kohei Kiyasu Producer: Cinematographer: Release Date: February 28, 2015 Runtime: Distributor: T-Joy Language: Japanese Country: Japan **Plot** Saori (Kanako Momota) is a high school student at a provincial city. She is a member of playgroup at her school. Yoshioka (Haru Kuroki) begins to work at the same high school as a new teacher. Yoshioka performed in plays when she was in college back in Tokyo. Saori, Yukko (Shiori Tamai), Garuru (Reni Takagi), Nakanishi (Momoka Ariyasu), Akemi (Ayaka Sasaki) decides to compete in a play competition. Their goal is to make it through the regional competions, but Teacher Yoshioka tells them their aiming low and that they should think about the national competition. Notes Based on the novel "Maku ga Agaru" by Oriza Hirata (published November 8, 2012 by Kodansha Ltd.). Filming began August 22, 2014 at Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan and finished October 8, 2014. Lead actresses Kanako Momota, Shiori Tamai, Reni Takagi, Momoka Ariyasu, Ayaka Sasaki are members of idol group "Momoiro Clover Z.” **Cast** Kanako Momota - Saori Shiori Tamai - Yukko Reni Takagi - Garuru Momoka Ariyasu - Nakanishi Ayaka Sasaki - Akemi Haru Kuroki - Teacher Yoshioka **Film Festivals** 2015 (17th) Udine Far East Film - April 23-May 2, 2015 \*European Premiere