Disney+ has negotiated the exclusive rights to distribute the Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds documentary about the making of Death Stranding.
In a collaboration, Disney+ will distribute the documentary being made by Kojima’s own company, Kojima Productions, which is taking a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative genesis of Kojima and his award-winning game.
Scheduled for a spring 2024 release, this film odyssey aims to unravel the “enigmatic brilliance of Hideo Kojima, traversing the intricate pathways of his mind that birthed a gaming masterpiece.” Kojima is working on another game, OD, for Xbox, as revealed last week at The Game Awards.
The documentary delves into Kojima’s creative process as he forges his own independent studio and sets out on a quest to redefine interactive storytelling through Death Stranding. I played the game all the way — and watched its hours-long cutscenes — through and found it to be profoundly puzzling. Still, I think that honoring Kojima, exploring his mind, and elevating the game industry is important.
Featuring an illustrious lineup of creative geniuses such as George Miller, Guillermo del Toro, Nicholas Winding Refn, Grimes, Norman Reedus, Woodkid, Chvrches, and more, the film captures the essence of video games as an art form, shining a spotlight on Kojima’s influence that resonates globally.
Directed by Glen Milner and produced by Ben Hilton for Filmworks, London, it promises an “immersive exploration into the mind of an icon.”
The documentary’s world premiere occurred at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York last June, receiving critical acclaim for its depth and captivating storytelling. Now, Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds is poised to grace the screens of Disney+, Disney’s esteemed video distribution service, bringing Kojima’s visionary tale to a global audience.
While specifics about the release date remain under wraps, the official trailer offers a glimpse into the documentary’s essence. The trailer features poignant anecdotes from creators like Norman Reedus, George Miller, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Guillermo del Toro, who praise Kojima’s courage, creativity, and storytelling prowess.
Hideo Kojima, renowned as a trailblazer in the gaming industry, founded Kojima Productions in 2015, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career after he was removed from Konami. The studio’s maiden title, Death Stranding, starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, and Lyndsay Wagner, “cemented Kojima’s reputation as a visionary auteur.”
The BAFTA Fellowship recipient has garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the world of film, games, and television.