The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) has teamed up with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch a new initiative called Beyond Japan. This program aims to connect Japanese filmmakers with opportunities in Hollywood. Supported by the Japanese government, the program will begin virtually this month and will later shift to in-person sessions in Los Angeles.
The first group of participants includes six Japanese filmmakers. They are:
Fujimura Akiyo: Known for the Amazon Prime and Apple TV feature “Eriko, Pretended,” which won the SKIP City Award. He also contributed to the anthology “Ten Years Japan,” produced by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
Yoshida Mayumi: An alumna of Warner Bros. Discovery Access and associate producer on A24/Apple TV+’s “Sunny,” starring Rashida Jones.
Tsukikawa Sho: The director of “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas,” a Japan Academy Prize winner, and Netflix’s adaptation of “Yu Yu Hakusho.” He has an upcoming rom-com on Netflix titled “Romantics Anonymous,” featuring Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo.
Ü Inose: A Tokyo-based international production veteran.
Shibuya Yu: A Venice Film Festival alumnus known for “Jitensha.” His feature directorial debut, “Umbrellas for Miharu,” is set to release in January 2025.
Fukada Yuske: Recognized for his work on “Tokyo Override” and “Perfect World.”
The selection committee included notable figures such as Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda Hirokazu, actor-producer Oka Masi, and executive producer Washio Kayo from “Tokyo Vice.” The program has also secured prominent industry mentors and speakers, including Pete Franciosa and Erlan Nyssanov from UTA, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and Christine Oh, producer of “Minari.”
This initiative comes at a time when collaborations between Japan and Hollywood are gaining popularity, as seen in projects like “Shogun,” “Tokyo Vice,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” CAPE executive director Michelle K. Sugihara noted the growing interest in these cultural exchanges through their consulting work with studios.
JETRO Los Angeles executive director Tsuwaki Yoshiko emphasized Japan’s commitment to entertainment as a vital economic sector. She expressed enthusiasm about partnering with CAPE, which has a strong track record in supporting Asian professionals in the entertainment industry.
The program will culminate in J-SCREEN, a two-day event featuring film screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood. This event will highlight U.S.-Japan co-productions.
Partners for this initiative include AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House Los Angeles, Plug and Play, Nothing New, and Synepic Entertainment.
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