Japan Pitch Showcases Four Co-Production Film Projects at Busan International Film Festival

Atmovie Inc. is set to feature its Japan Pitch event during the 31st Busan International Film Festival, providing a significant platform for four filmmakers from its Atmovie Global Track program. This accelerator initiative empowers these creators to present their distinct feature film concepts to an international assembly of purchasers and producers. The core objective is to cultivate global co-production agreements and facilitate the expansion of Japanese cinematic talent onto the world stage, thereby strengthening cross-border collaborations in the film industry. The program is actively supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund, managed by the Japan Arts Council, highlighting a national commitment to nurturing emerging Japanese cinematic voices.

The Japan Pitch event is structured to unfold over two days at the Centum Hotel Emerald Hall. The first day, October 11, will be dedicated to the core pitching sessions, where the selected filmmakers will formally introduce their projects. Following this, on October 12, there will be a series of personalized one-on-one meetings, allowing for in-depth discussions between the filmmakers and attending producers, buyers, and festival representatives. This structured approach is designed to maximize networking opportunities and potential investment for the showcased films. The event will conclude with an additional round of pitches and a networking reception, ensuring comprehensive engagement for all participants.

Among the distinguished filmmakers presenting their work is Kinoshita Yusuke, who will pitch "Children of the Empire." Born in Tokyo and raised in Australia, Kinoshita has garnered critical acclaim, with his short film "Birdcage" receiving awards at the 2003 Pia Film Festival and his feature "Water Flower" being screened at the Berlin Film Festival in 2006. His contribution to the anthology "Ten Years Japan," executive produced by Kore-eda Hirokazu, was also featured at Busan. "Children of the Empire" has already received recognition, having been chosen for the VIPO Film Lab NY Script Workshop and the Atmovie Global Track program, signaling its strong potential. Kinoshita further established his presence in the industry by founding Spectra Inc. earlier this year.

Saito Shiori is another notable participant, bringing her debut feature documentary, "Omusubi," to the festival. With a decade of experience in New York directing and editing documentary and travel content, Saito co-founded Mimosa LLC in 2021. Her previous work includes the documentary short "Floating in Between," which has been well-received. Her background in international documentary production provides a unique perspective to her current project.

Joya Yoshimi will introduce her inaugural feature, "Almost Goodbye." Her journey in film began in commercial production before she moved to Canada for international production work. Upon her return to Japan in 2020, she resumed directing. Her short films, such as "Be Happy Anyway," "Doughnuts Mori," and "Colors Under the Streetlights"—an official selection at the Vancouver Film Festival—demonstrate her talent and distinct artistic vision. Joya's transition into feature filmmaking marks a significant step in her career.

Arai Soji, a producer and actor based in Tokyo, is set to present "Their Own Sake." Arai boasts an impressive acting career, having worked with esteemed directors like Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Takashi Miike, and participating in international productions such as Canal+'s "Singapura" and HBO's "Tokyo Vice." As a producer, his credits include the Japan-Korea co-produced short "Route 7," which won an audience award at the Busan International Short Film Festival, and the feature film "The Penthouse." His latest work, "At the River's Edge," was a feature competition selection at the 31st Split Film Festival. "Their Own Sake" was previously brought to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Atmovie Global Track, underscoring its international appeal.

The Japan Pitch initiative underscores Atmovie Inc.'s commitment to fostering new talent and facilitating international collaborations within the film industry. By providing a platform at a prestigious event like the Busan International Film Festival, Atmovie Inc. not only elevates the profile of these emerging Japanese filmmakers but also contributes to the global exchange of cinematic creativity and resources. This strategic move is expected to pave the way for numerous successful co-production ventures, enriching the international film landscape with diverse stories and artistic perspectives from Japan.