As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for international cinema, I find myself utterly intrigued by this Beyond Japan initiative. Having traversed the vast cinematic landscapes of the East and West, I’ve long admired the distinctive narratives and visual aesthetics that Japanese filmmakers bring to the table.


CAPE, or the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, is collaborating with JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization, to debut a program called Beyond Japan. This venture aims at linking Japanese filmmakers with chances in Hollywood. The project, endorsed by the Japanese government, commences online this month and will later move to face-to-face meetings in Los Angeles.

As a follower, I’m thrilled to be part of the pioneering group that includes six talented Japanese filmmakers. Akiyo Fujimura, whose acclaimed works like “Eriko, Pretended” and contributions to “Ten Years Japan” have won prestigious awards, is one of them. Also in our ranks is Mayumi Yoshida, an alumna of Warner Bros. Discovery Access who served as associate producer on “Sunny,” a production by A24/Apple TV+ starring Rashida Jones.

The panel of selection committee members comprises Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda, actor-producer Oka Masi, and “Tokyo Vice” executive producer Washio Kayo. Notable figures from the industry have been brought on board as mentors and speakers for this program, such as Pete Franciosa and Erlan Nyssanov from UTA, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and “Minari” producer Christine Oh.

The program is gaining popularity as joint ventures between Japan and Hollywood, such as “Shogun,” “Tokyo Vice,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” are making an impact in international markets. According to Michelle K. Sugihara, the executive director of CAPE (Center for Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), this is a trend we’re observing in our cultural consulting with studios.

Tsuwaki Yoshiko, the executive director of JETRO Los Angeles, points out that the Japanese government considers entertainment as a significant factor in their economy. She expressed her pleasure about collaborating with CAPE, a group known for their success in cultivating Asian talent within the entertainment field.

The project culminates in an event called J-SCREEN, which lasts for two days. This event includes film screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking opportunity at Neuehouse Hollywood, focusing on collaborative productions between the U.S. and Japan.

The collaborating entities encompass AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House LA, Plug and Play, Nothing New, and Synepic Entertainment.

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2024-11-01 08:16