A Dream Team: The Screenwriter of "Slumdog Millionaire" and the Director of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"

The story follows a meek fisheries scientist who gets caught up in a national project to make salmon swim in the desert nation of Yemen. While buffeted by a series of impossible challenges, he rediscovers the wonder of life.

The novel "Yemen: A Salmon's Journey" was masterfully adapted into a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy, who won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Slumdog Millionaire." He skillfully weaves together the bizarre twists of the project, the budding romance with consultant Harriet, and the friendship with the wealthy Sheikh, all with exquisite humor, leading to a moving conclusion. Lasse Hallström, known for his masterpieces of human drama such as "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Chocolat," directs, capturing the characters' human affections and depths.


Dr. Jones, the endearingly awkward scientist, is portrayed by Ewan McGregor, a leading British actor who has also found success in Hollywood, notably in the "Star Wars" series. Charming consultant Harriet is played by Emily Blunt, known for her role in "The Devil Wears Prada." Furthermore, the formidable press secretary Maxwell is brought to life by the acclaimed actress Kristin Scott Thomas, creating a powerful character. The film is rounded out by a strong supporting cast of talented actors.

A Story of Believing in an Impossible Dream and Rekindling Life's Spark

'I want to go salmon fishing in Yemen.' This absurd request is made to Dr. Jones, a fisheries scientist. Though he dismisses it as impossible, the British Foreign Office decides to support the project to ease tensions with the Middle East, transforming the preposterous idea into a full-fledged national project involving the Prime Minister. Dr. Jones, who had been living a life devoid of grand dreams and initially scoffed at the wealthy man's whim, is moved by the underlying wish of the tycoon and rediscovers the power of belief. What will become of this audacious dream, which any sensible adult would have long abandoned?──?


A human drama that gives us the courage to make our mundane lives shine again. Laugh heartily, be astonished, and be moved.──This is surely the essence of cinema.

'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen'

Win a screening for 5 pairs of 10 people


Date | Tuesday, November 27th

Time | Doors open 6:00 PM, Screening starts 6:30 PM

Venue | Cinemaart Roppongi

3-8-15 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Application Deadline | Monday, November 19th (by 10:00 AM)

Applications are now closed.

Thank you for your many applications.


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'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen'

Nationwide release on Saturday, December 8th, at Marunouchi Piccadilly and other theaters.

Director | Lasse Hallström

Screenplay | Simon Beaufoy

Starring | Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas

Distribution | Gaga

2011 / UK / 108 minutes