Ha‑Chan’s Breakthrough Sparks Film Boom as Tax Bill Shakes Hollywood

The indie circuit kicked off its awards‑season push this weekend with a slate that blends fresh comedies, biopics, and historical dramas.

Sony Pictures Classics opened **Ha‑Chan, Shake Your Booty!** in 500‑plus theaters nationwide, while Mahershala Ali’s **Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother** premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now rolling out in select U.S. cities.

In addition, a number of limited‑release titles and a documentary returning to the stage are shaping the conversation.

At the same time, industry‑wide politics gained traction. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, proposing up to a 30 % tax credit for U.S. productions that could stack with state incentives.

The bill aims to boost domestic filmmaking and was announced just weeks after a controversial consent decree involving Paramount and state attorneys general.

## Background & Context

**Ha‑Chan, Shake Your Booty!** arrives after premiering at Sundance, where reviewers praised its Tokyo‑set comedy‑drama storyline featuring Rinko Kikuchi and her husband Luis. The film follows the couple’s foray into Tokyo’s ballroom dance scene before a tragedy pushes Haru into isolation and an eventual infatuation with a new instructor.

Rotten Tomatoes has given it an 89 % certified fresh rating, reflecting strong critical reception.

Meanwhile, **Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother** is a 1970s‑set comedic biopic directed by Michael Dowse, opening on 670 screens. Jay Baruchel portrays stunt driver Ken Carter, whose quest to jump a mile in a rocket‑powered car across the St. Lawrence River fuels the film’s absurdist tone.

The cast also includes Ed Helms and Ben Foster.

Jonathan Kent’s feature directorial debut, **Long Day’s Journey Into Night**, is currently showing at Los Angeles’s Lumière Cinema as part of an Academy run. The 1912 period drama stars Jessica Lange as Mary Tyrone, with Ed Harris, Ben Foster, and Colin Morgan portraying the Tyrone family’s complex dynamics.

The screenplay was written by David Lyndsey‑Abaire, and the film will expand to additional markets in the fall.

**The Scout**, a feature debut from Paula González‑Nasser, opened at Film Forum with Mimi Davila as a young location scout navigating New York City’s neighborhoods. The narrative draws from González‑Nasser’s own experience in the industry and is set to expand to Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles next week.

The supernatural horror **Never After Dark** premiered at SXSW’s Midnighter section, starring Moeka Hoshi as a wandering medium who encounters a grotesque apparition in a secluded country house. The film is currently in limited release in Los Angeles and New York, with plans to reach over 100 theaters by October 9.

A documentary retelling Isaac Mizrahi’s 1994 Fall collection, **Unzipped**, is back at Film Forum in a 4K re‑release. The film features a Q&A with Mizrahi, director Douglas Keeve, and producer Nina Santisi, and is slated to expand nationwide in October.

## What People Are Saying

Critical consensus on the new releases points to strong performances and sharp writing. **Ha‑Chan** earned an 89 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while **Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother** sits at 98 % from 48 reviews. **Never After Dark** holds a 100 % score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 34 reviews, reflecting unanimous acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling.

In the limited‑release arena, the cast and crew of **The Scout** received praise for the film’s authentic portrayal of a location scout’s day‑to‑day challenges. Though the movie has yet to secure a wide release, early audience reactions suggest it may resonate with both industry insiders and general viewers.

Documentary enthusiasts have welcomed the return of **Unzipped** to the screen. While no box‑office figures are available yet, the film’s 4K presentation and behind‑the‑scenes Q&A sessions indicate a strong draw from fashion and film audiences alike.

## What Happens Next

The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act is expected to undergo further debate as legislators move toward a final vote. Supporters of the bill argue that the proposed tax incentives will keep production jobs within the United States and foster creative growth across the industry.

The consent decree that defined Paramount’s settlement with California’s Attorney General remains pending judicial approval. The court has yet to certify the agreement, leaving the settlement in a state of uncertainty that could impact future negotiations for other studios.

In film distribution, **Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother** is set to continue rolling out in the coming weeks, with additional New York and Los Angeles theaters scheduled to open in early October. The limited release of **The Scout** will likely expand to a broader audience after its Alamo Drafthouse debut.

**Unzipped** will broaden its reach nationwide in October, accompanied by a series of Q&A sessions with the film’s creators. The documentary’s re‑release may also spark renewed interest in Mizrahi’s legacy within the fashion community.

The indie scene will also keep an eye on **Long Day’s Journey Into Night** as it moves into additional markets. The film’s Academy run positions it as a potential contender for upcoming awards, adding further momentum to its release schedule.

**Never After Dark** will extend its theater presence beyond the initial limited release, aiming for over 100 venues by October 9. As the film expands, its unique blend of horror and Japanese folklore may attract a growing fan base.

With the legislative climate shifting and a diverse array of films entering the market, this weekend marks a pivotal moment for both filmmakers and audiences. The industry’s trajectory will hinge on how quickly new policies are enacted and how audiences receive these fresh stories on the big screen.