Introducing Beyond Japan: A Joint Venture between CAPE and JETRO to Connect Japanese Filmmakers with Hollywood Opportunities
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are teaming up to present Beyond Japan, a program designed to bridge the gap between Japanese filmmakers and Hollywood. This initiative, supported by the Japanese government, begins virtually this month and will gradually transition to face-to-face meetings in Los Angeles.
The first cohort consists of six established Japanese filmmakers. Among them is Fujimura Akiyo, who received the SKIP City Award for her Amazon Prime and Apple TV-streaming feature “Eriko, Pretended”, and contributed to Kore-eda Hirokazu’s anthology “Ten Years Japan”. Yoshida Mayumi, a Warner Bros. Discovery Access alumna and associate producer on A24/Apple TV+’s “Sunny” starring Rashida Jones is also included. Tsukikawa Sho, the director of the Japan Academy Prize-winning “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” and Netflix’s manga adaptation “Yu Yu Hakusho,” is also part of the cohort. He’s set to release Netflix’s romantic comedy “Romantics Anonymous” starring Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo. Other members include Tokyo-based international production veteran Ü Inose; Shibuya Yu, a Venice Film Festival alumnus, and the filmmaker behind the anticipated feature “Umbrellas for Miharu” set to release in January 2025; and Fukada Yuske, known for his works “Tokyo Override” and “Perfect World.”
The selection committee comprised of industry heavyweights such as Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda Hirokazu, actor-producer Oka Masi, and “Tokyo Vice” executive producer Washio Kayo. Other notable industry figures serving as mentors and speakers include UTA’s Pete Franciosa and Erlan Nyssanov, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and “Minari” producer Christine Oh.
Japanese-Hollywood Collaborations Gaining Momentum
This program comes at a time when Japanese-Hollywood collaborations such as “Shogun,” “Tokyo Vice” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” are making significant strides in the international market. As CAPE executive director Michelle K. Sugihara remarks, “We are seeing that shift in our cultural consulting work with studios.”
JETRO Los Angeles executive director Tsuwaki Yoshiko highlights that Japan’s government has prioritized entertainment as a key economic driver. She expresses her delight at partnering with CAPE, commending their track record in developing Asians in the entertainment industry.
The Initiative Concludes with J-SCREEN
Beyond Japan will culminate with J-SCREEN, a two-day event featuring screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood. This event will highlight U.S.-Japan co-productions and provide a platform for further collaborations.
The program’s partners include AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House Los Angeles, Plug and Play, Nothing New, and Synepic Entertainment. Through this collaborative effort, Beyond Japan hopes to foster a greater connection between Japanese filmmakers and Hollywood, creating a global impact on the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Beyond Japan is an ambitious initiative that aims to bridge the gap between Japanese filmmakers and Hollywood. With the support of the Japanese government and a host of industry heavyweights, it is poised to revolutionize the way we consume international cinema and further diversify the global film industry. As we anticipate the success of this venture, we also look forward to the fresh perspectives and unique storytelling that these collaborations will bring to our screens.
FAQs
Q: What is Beyond Japan?
A: Beyond Japan is a program designed to connect Japanese filmmakers with Hollywood opportunities. It is a joint initiative by the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Q: Who are some of the notable filmmakers in the inaugural cohort?
A: The inaugural cohort includes six Japanese filmmakers such as Fujimura Akiyo, Yoshida Mayumi, and Tsukikawa Sho.
Q: What is J-SCREEN?
A: J-SCREEN is a two-day event that will conclude the Beyond Japan initiative. It will feature screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood, spotlighting U.S.-Japan co-productions.
Credit: variety.com
