Tokyo, Japan — Modern Films has announced its adaptation of Jessica Au’s acclaimed novel Cold Enough for Snow, with Jemima James making her feature directorial debut.
The project is currently showcased at TIFFCOM’s Tokyo Gap-Financing Market.
Cold Enough for Snow, which won the inaugural Novel Prize from Fitzcarraldo Editions, New Directions, and Giramondo, tells the story of a mother and daughter navigating their complex relationship during a journey through Tokyo, set against the backdrop of autumn rains and contemporary art galleries. The 2022 novel was selected from over 1,500 submissions.
This film will be a co-production among the U.K., Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong, with a budget of £3.5 million (approximately $4.5 million). Filming is set to begin in fall 2025, with a planned 32 shooting days: 18 in Japan, 11 in Australia, and 3 in Hong Kong. Post-production is expected to take place in the U.K.
“I read Cold Enough for Snow shortly after it was published in the U.K. and was deeply moved,” James told Variety. “Despite its brevity—under 100 pages—the novel is profound and impactful. Jessica Au’s writing lingers with the reader, remaining thought-provoking long after finishing. That’s the type of writing that inspires me, and it reflects the kind of film I aspire to create.”
James brings significant theater experience to the project, having worked as associate director and co-dramaturg on Complicité’s The Encounter, which was performed at London’s Barbican Centre and on Broadway. Her short film Grace On A Saturday Night, funded by the BFI Network, was showcased at the Manchester International Film Festival and Nottingham Film Festival in 2021.
“I hope this film, much like the book, encourages audiences to reflect deeply on their important relationships,” James added. “I want it to inspire new perspectives and greater compassion for the complexities of love.”
Eve Gabereau, CEO of Modern Films, has secured 60% of the film’s funding. “Jemima’s extensive experience in Japan, where she has lived for many years, naturally brought us together,” Gabereau said. “We quickly developed a rapport on how to translate the novel from page to screen. Jemima is an exceptional writer with a unique vision evident in her short films and theater work.”
The production team includes May Leung as production consultant and co-producer, known for her work on films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Inception. Satoko Sekiguchi serves as production assistant.
The producers aim to secure a Japanese co-producer, finalize main locations and shooting schedules, and meet with key financiers and distributors at the Tokyo Gap Financing Market.
Founded in 2017, Modern Films has established a strong reputation with titles such as Manifesto, featuring Cate Blanchett, and I Am Not a Witch, which received BIFA and BAFTA nominations. The company holds rights to over 100 films and has been recognized as Highly Acclaimed Distributor of the Year from 2019 to 2022.
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