CAPE, JETRO Launch Beyond Japan, Pipeline for Rising Filmmakers

The Collaboration Between CAPE and JETRO: Connecting Japanese Filmmakers with Hollywood Opportunities

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) has joined forces with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to introduce Beyond Japan, a groundbreaking program designed to bridge the gap between Japanese filmmakers and Hollywood opportunities. This initiative, supported by the Japanese government, will commence virtually this month before transitioning to in-person sessions in the heart of Los Angeles.

The inaugural cohort comprises six talented Japanese filmmakers who have already made their mark in the industry. From award-winning directors to seasoned producers, the lineup includes names like Fujimura Akiyo, Yoshida Mayumi, Tsukikawa Sho, Ü Inose, Shibuya Yu, and Fukada Yuske. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaborations.

The selection committee, featuring esteemed members such as Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda, actor-producer Oka Masi, and “Tokyo Vice” executive producer Washio Kayo, has ensured that the program attracts top-tier mentors and speakers. Industry heavyweights like UTA’s Pete Franciosa, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and “Minari” producer Christine Oh are among the luminaries who will guide and inspire the participants.

As Japanese-Hollywood collaborations continue to gain momentum with projects like “Shogun,” “Tokyo Vice,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” the Beyond Japan program emerges as a timely and essential platform for fostering cross-cultural exchanges. CAPE executive director Michelle K. Sugihara affirms, “We are witnessing a shift in the landscape of entertainment, and our cultural consulting work with studios reflects this evolution.”

JETRO Los Angeles executive director Tsuwaki Yoshiko highlights Japan’s commitment to leveraging entertainment as a key economic driver, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with CAPE, a trusted partner renowned for their expertise in nurturing Asian talent in the entertainment industry.”

The program will culminate in J-SCREEN, a prestigious two-day event featuring screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood. This event will serve as a platform to showcase U.S.-Japan co-productions and further strengthen the bonds between the two film industries.

Partnerships with industry leaders such as AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House Los Angeles, Plug and Play, Nothing New, and Synepic Entertainment underscore the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the Beyond Japan program. Together, these entities are driving innovation and fostering creative synergies that will shape the future of Japanese cinema on the global stage.