Global fears of a bird flu outbreak seem to have inspired a new film directed by Takahisa Zeze, titled "Kansen Retto." The story centers around the threat of a new virus spreading throughout Japan and the people bravely fighting against it.

Satoshi Tsumabuki will star as a doctor trying to treat the victims of infection, while Rei Dan plays the female lead, a medical officer from the World Health Organization. The film is said to represent a realistic simulation of the national crisis that would be caused by such an outbreak, based on predictions by researchers and medical experts.

TBS's Takashi Hirano is producing. Filming is set to start in early March, with some scenes being shot overseas. Release is targeted for January 2009.

Studio Ghibli held a press conference on Friday to inaugurate a new company president. Toshio Suzuki stepped down at the end of January to focus on his role as producer and is being succeeded by Koji Hoshino, who previously served as president of Walt Disney Japan.

Suzuki's title is now executive director/producer.