Japan Selects Filmmakers for Second Film Frontier Networking Program

Japan has announced the five filmmakers selected for the second cohort of the Film Frontier Global Networking Program. This initiative offers 18 months of tailored support to enhance the international careers of its participants. The chosen individuals are directors Kaneko Yurina, Kusano Natsuka, Takahashi Sota, and Fujimoto Akio, along with producer Yoshihara Hiroyuki. The announcement took place during the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival.

The Creator Development Program is part of the Japan Creator Support Fund, which was established in 2023 under the auspices of the Japan Arts Council with funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Its main goal is to foster creative professionals who can thrive on the global stage. The program offers guidance for international development, supports participation in overseas film festivals, and facilitates networking with international industry partners.

Program Structure and Filmmaker Insights

The Global Networking Program is among three initiatives offered by Film Frontier, alongside the Feature Anime Creators in Progress and the Residency Program. At the event, previous participants Nakanishi Mai and Yamashita Tsubomi shared updates about their current projects. A panel discussion featured director Ishikawa Kei, TIFF programming director Ichiyama Shozo, and guest Christian Jeune, deputy delegate and director of the film department at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ichiyama remarked on the high caliber of applicants, stating, “The selection process was truly challenging. We chose projects that we believe are highly feasible, and I hope the participants will start working on them as soon as next year.” Ishikawa added, “I focused not on feasibility but purely on the excellence of the proposals. All of the selected projects are highly original and can only be created by these participants. I believe they will even become my competitors for my next work.”

The selected filmmakers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. Kaneko emphasized the importance of support throughout the filmmaking process, particularly in fundraising. Takahashi, who has aspired to make a film in Serbia for 12 years, described his selection as “a significant step forward.” Fujimoto expressed joy at receiving support while his film, Lost Land, is being screened at TIFF. Yoshihara conveyed appreciation for his project being chosen, despite its complexity. Kusano, in a video message, highlighted her excitement about dedicating time to research for her upcoming project.

Since its inception, the program has expanded to include training in English-language pitching and development initiatives aimed at entering international markets.

Notable Filmmaking Backgrounds

The filmmakers have impressive backgrounds that enhance their potential for success. Kaneko made her commercial feature debut in 2023 with People Who Talk to Plushies Are Kind, which was selected for the Asian New Talent section at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival. Kusano’s second feature, The Kingdom (or About That House), screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and was recognized by the BFI as one of the best films of the year.

Takahashi’s graduation film, Memory Devices, won the Audience Award at the PFF Award 2023. He directed Addressee Unknown in 2025 as part of NDJC: New Directions in Japanese Cinema. Fujimoto’s latest film, Lost Land, which addresses the plight of Rohingya refugees, won the special jury prize in the Horizons section at the 82nd Venice Film Festival and is set for release across Japan in spring 2026. Additionally, Yoshihara is currently involved in producing several international co-productions, including the Japan-Korea feature 3mm Love and the Japan-Taiwan-Poland co-production Good Death.

The Film Frontier Global Networking Program represents a significant opportunity for these filmmakers to advance their careers and contribute to the international film landscape.