Tokyo\u2019s premier content market, TIFFCOM, is set to host a high-profile industry session focusing on the evolving landscape of Asia-Europe co-production. The upcoming panel, scheduled for October 30, marks a major milestone as the Japanese creative accelerator Atmovie Global Track formalizes an ongoing partnership with the renowned Europe-based workshop Ties That Bind. Producers behind Hayakawa Chie\u2019s acclaimed Cannes competition title \u201cRenoir\u201d are among the key industry veterans slated to speak at the event, which runs in tandem with the broader Tokyo International Film Festival and is accessible to all TIFFCOM badge holders.<\/p>\n
Titled \u201cBuilding Creative Partnerships,\u201d the open panel will closely examine the intricate dynamics of how producers and directors collaborate to elevate local projects to an international standard. Drawing heavily on concrete case studies of successful feature films made across both regions, the discussion aims to demystify the cross-cultural financing and development pipeline. The timing of the panel coincides with a growing push within Japan’s film industry to look outward, building lasting bridges with European counterparts and fostering a new generation of creators equipped for the global market.<\/p>\n
At the center of the panel are Mizuno-Gray Eiko, CEO of Tokyo-based Loaded Films, and French producer Christophe Bruncher of Ici et L\u00e0 Productions. Both producers worked closely on \u201cRenoir,\u201d which competed at Cannes. Mizuno-Gray brings a wealth of international co-production experience to the table; her impressive credits also include Hayakawa Chie\u2019s celebrated drama \u201cPlan 75,\u201d which received a special mention for the Cam\u00e9ra d\u2019Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival before going on to represent Japan as its official Academy Award entry. Furthermore, her producing portfolio features masterworks such as Kurosawa Kiyoshi\u2019s \u201cTo the Ends of the Earth.\u201d <\/p>\n
Beyond her past successes, Mizuno-Gray is actively developing a diverse slate of international projects, including a Poland-Japan co-production directed by Ishikawa Kei and a Japan-Philippines collaboration helmed by Hirayanagi Atsuko. In addition to her producing and mentoring roles\u2014she also acts as a support producer on the Atmovie accelerator\u2014her industry standing is further underscored by her service on the Tokyo International Film Festival\u2019s Asian Future jury this year.<\/p>\n
Joining Mizuno-Gray on stage is Christophe Bruncher, a graduate of the prestigious French film school La F\u00e9mis who is fluent in Mandarin and serves as the head of studies for Ties That Bind. Bruncher\u2019s recent international co-productions include Muriel d\u2019Ansembourg\u2019s Berlinale title \u201cTruly Naked\u201d and Kamila Andini\u2019s Toronto International Film Festival selection \u201cFour Seasons in Java,\u201d both of which are prominently featured at this year\u2019s Tokyo festival. His unique background bridging European production standards with Asian cinematic markets makes him a vital voice in discussions of cross-continental creative partnerships.<\/p>\n
The panel’s lineup is rounded out by Oh Heejung, the Seoul- and Amsterdam-based founder of Seesaw Pictures, whose extensive track record includes films that have played at major global festivals such as Sundance, the Berlinale, Locarno, IDFA, Rotterdam, and Busan. They are joined by Moriya Takeshi, the CEO of Atmovie who originally founded the accelerator program. Moriya\u2019s prolific producing credits span popular television series like \u201cMidnight Diner\u201d as well as Uchida Eiji\u2019s acclaimed feature \u201cMidnight Swan,\u201d which was crowned picture of the year at the 44th Japan Academy Film Prizes. Meanwhile, Atmovie Global Track producer Sekiguchi Mio\u2014whose credits include Uchida\u2019s \u201cFiamma\u201d\u2014curated the panel discussions.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the public event on October 30, Oh and Bruncher will lead an intensive, closed two-day workshop for the accelerator\u2019s selected fellows on October 27 and 28. Eschewing traditional lecture formats, the workshop is designed around dynamic group sessions where participants can actively develop their individual projects and engage in candid career path discussions with seasoned international professionals.<\/p>\n
The overarching educational and mentoring program was curated by Alessandro Gropplero, who manages the Friuli Venezia Giulia Audiovisual Fund and co-founded Ties That Bind. The workshop itself is organized by the FVG fund in collaboration with EAVE and the Udine Far East Film Festival, solidifying a robust institutional framework that connects European and Asian producers across every critical stage of filmmaking, from early project development and financing strategies to networking and distribution opportunities.<\/p>\n
Atmovie Global Track was specifically established to prepare Japanese filmmakers to navigate the complex international co-production market. Through targeted lectures and bespoke mentoring from prominent Japanese and overseas industry figures, the accelerator equips creators with the tools needed to bring original stories to global audiences. Selected fellows regularly pitch their projects at major international festivals and markets, with key milestones in the program including participation in the Japan Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival and the dedicated Japan Pitch event held annually at the Busan International Film Festival.<\/p>\n
Organizers behind the initiative note that many talented creators frequently struggle to build deep trust across differing cultural landscapes and often face communication hurdles when operating outside their native language. By hosting the open panel at TIFFCOM, the program aims to share invaluable lessons with the broader film industry, systematically growing the network of Japanese filmmakers who are actively pursuing ambitious international co-productions.<\/p>\n
Financial and institutional support for the comprehensive program is provided by the Japan Creator Support Fund, an initiative created by the Japan Arts Council utilizing critical funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. As these cross-border partnerships continue to formalize and deepen through the newly solidified alliance with Ties That Bind, the initiative stands to play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of independent cinema across Asia and Europe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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