Julie Delpy, Emma D’Arcy and Takehiro Hira have joined the cast of *Stages*, Sonoya Mizuno’s feature directorial debut, as filming begins in the UK. The announcement adds prominent names to an A24-backed project that draws on Mizuno’s own ballet training and marks her move from acting into directing.

The film follows a young dancer at an elite ballet school whose lead role in a prestigious recital is overshadowed by a family tragedy. Kathryn Hunter and Kate Dickie also appear, while A24 has US rights and Focus Features will distribute internationally through Universal Pictures International; Alex Garland, Peter Rice, Agile Films and Jeremy Thomas are among the producers.