The 24th Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), running alongside the 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart), features a new Japanese section called Film Frontier. This initiative highlights emerging Japanese filmmakers and is part of seven Japan-linked projects across HAF's strands. Unijapan is driving this push amid Japan's record box office performance.
Film Frontier, introduced by HKIFF Industry in collaboration with the Japan Creator Support Fund, brings two projects to its inaugural showcase: 'Hidari,' directed by Kawamura Masashi and Ogawa Iku and produced by Matsumoto Noriko through Dwarf Studios; and 'Unknown Face,' directed by Kusano Natsuka and produced by Miyoshi Gohey, Anocha Suwichakornpong and Paul Mori through Matataki Films. Selection criteria emphasized filmmakers seeking international co-productions, especially with Asian creators, along with festival experience and global perspectives, according to Mashima Kyoko of Unijapan’s international promotion division. She noted, “International attention toward Japanese cinema tends to spotlight well-established directors, leaving emerging filmmakers with very limited opportunities to pitch their projects at the right place and time.” The Japan Creator Support Fund aims to empower young filmmakers to refine skills, build networks and sustain global careers, Mashima added. Japan's presence extends to four In-Development Projects, including wholly Japanese entries 'The Blue Breaks' (directed by Uchiyama Takuya) and 'Life Is Yours' (directed by Emma Kawawada, involving Toei studio), plus co-productions 'The Funeral March' (Japan/China) and '38.83' (Hong Kong/Japan). In Works-in-Progress, 'My Mother' (Indonesia/Japan/Hong Kong) represents Japan. This activity aligns with broader efforts, including TIFFCOM positioning as an Asian market and Japan's Country of Honor status at the 2026 Cannes Film Market. Japan's 2025 box office reached JPY274.45 billion ($1.79 billion), up 32%, per the Motion Picture Producers Assn. of Japan.
