Anky Cyriaque’s directorial debut Seasons is shaping up to be an ambitious, cross-cultural epic, and the ensemble just got even stronger. Japanese actors Serena Motola (Ice Cream Fever), Seiya Matsudo (The Flash), and Ray Shirakawa have officially joined the cast of the forthcoming film, with additional Japanese talent to be announced soon.
Written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Kalman Apple (Speed for Thespians) and based on Cyriaque’s original story Seasons of a Soul, the film explores love, loss, death, and destiny through a multilingual, multicultural lens. Seasons will begin filming in fall 2025 across Vancouver, New York, London, and Nepal.
Motola stars as Eiko, a young woman who rejects her family’s expectations in Japan and ends up entangled in a complicated romance in New York City. “Eiko is fascinating, and I can’t wait to add my vision to the character,” she shared.
Matsudo will portray Yutaka, one of Eiko’s potential suitors navigating his own dreams and disillusionments in the city. “I do think of my character as a kindred spirit, and I love so much of what he strives for in New York,” said Matsudo. “I’m feeling blessed to be part of this phenomenal story.”
Ray Shirakawa, also cast in a pivotal role, echoed the project’s themes: “As the title Seasons suggests, it depicts the cycles of life and the seasons of the soul. Life’s choices and relationships are universal, and I believe they’ll resonate deeply with audiences.”
The film follows a couple destined to fall in love, only to be torn apart by a vengeful soul across multiple lifetimes. Their only chance to reunite requires a 100-year journey through reincarnation and fate—a sweeping narrative that’s equal parts spiritual and romantic.
Cyriaque, who has spent over a decade developing Seasons, brings his Haitian heritage and love for Japanese culture to the project. He emphasized the film’s linguistic and cultural hybridity, with dialogue shifting fluidly between English and Japanese. “Being from Haiti, my conversations are a vibrant mix of English and Creole—it’s the rhythm of my life,” he said. “It felt only natural to infuse Seasons with that same multilingual spirit. It mirrors the beauty of real-life connection—where words, cultures, and emotions blend.”
The cast will also include Canadian singer and actress Kreesha Turner, with additional Japanese actors and two high-profile Hollywood stars currently in talks. Tokyo-based producer Ivan Collazo and actor Kosei James Ono, who will also appear in the film, are credited with assembling much of the Japanese cast.
Behind the scenes, Seasons is backed by an emerging team of global producers, including Meosha Davis, Cordero Sinclair, Jamar Atkinson, and Joseph Philippe (aka Joey MHZ).
Described as a cinematic revolution in the making, Seasons fuses Hollywood prestige with culturally resonant storytelling. With its globe-trotting locations, multicultural cast, and genre-defying narrative, the film aims to push the boundaries of what an international love story can be.
“Seasons is more than a film—it’s an experience,” said Cyriaque. “It’s about love, language, and the unseen forces that shape our lives across time.”