Ahead of the screening at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival, GKIDS released the theatrical trailer for Inu-Oh, the musical animated feature film from director Masaaki Yuasa (Ride Your Wave, Keep Your Hands Off Of Eizokuen!).

Inu-Oh which made its world debut at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, followed by a North American premiere at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival, opens in cinemas nationwide starting August 12th.

Featuring character creation from manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto (Tekkonkinkreet), who previously collaborated with Yuasa on the anime adaptation of Matsumoto’s series Ping Pong the Animation, the musical animated feature tells the story of the friendship between the legendary 14th century Noh performer Inu-oh, and the blind biwa player Tomona. As the two rise from hardship to stardom through their creative partnership, they also come to break each other’s curse.

Inu-Oh marks GKIDS’ fifth feature title from visionary director Masaaki Yuasa, following local releases of Lu Over the Wall, The Night is Short, Walk On Girl, Mind Game, and most recently, Ride Your Wave.

Born to an esteemed family, Inu-oh is afflicted with an ancient curse that has left him on the margins of society. When he meets the blind musician Tomona, a young biwa priest haunted by his past, Inu-oh discovers a captivating ability to dance. The pair quickly become business partners and inseparable friends as crowds flock to their electric, larger-than-life concerts. But when those in power threaten to break up the band, Inu-oh and Tomona must dance and sing to uncover the truth behind their creative gifts.

Watch the trailer for Inu-Oh.