Join us for a quick dive into JCSF, a creator support program—then hear bold pitches from Film Frontiers heading to Cannes this year. Stay for drinks, conversation, and great connections—with a few special guests in the mix.

Featuring a roundtable of filmmakers and panelists who support the activities of Yamagata and Cannes as designated Cities of Film in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the event will close with a reception serving refreshments (including sake from Yamagata).

This case study examines how Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s ALL OF A SUDDEN leverages auteur prestige to secure a four-country co-production (France, Japan, Germany, Belgium). Led by a French producer and backed by European public funding, the project illustrates a director-driven model that bridges Japanese talent with European financing and global distribution.
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An official networking event ahead of the Cannes Gala, in collaboration with Marché du Film × CANNES NEXT. Discover NOMA’s latest initiatives and new challenges — beyond the main Cannes Gala we proudly host. Join us to meet film festival programmers, buyers, and content industry professionals in a casual, welcoming setting for authentic professional exchange. Take this opportunity to exchange ideas across borders and build new connections.

JAPAN PITCH is an official pitch event showcasing five fellows selected from ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK, an accelerator program dedicated to launching the next generation of Japanese filmmakers onto the global stage. Presented in English by the creators themselves, these pitches feature unique narratives and business plans meticulously polished to international standards. JAPAN PITCH serves as a "platform for co-creation," connecting global producers, investors, and sales agents interested in Japanese co-productions to propel these projects into their next phase.

Join us for an exclusive pitch session featuring Japan’s emerging talents spotlighted at Producers Network this year. 5 upcoming producers will present new projects currently in development and seeking international partners.
*Pre-registration is required

This symposium examines Japanese cinema's heritage and current challenges from a global perspective. Insights from international film professionals will highlight strategies to elevate Japanese cinema's visibility while honoring its legacy. The discussion will connect artistic traditions with today's cinematic landscape. The networking reception will facilitate exchanges to rediscover Japanese cinema's value and explore its future through diverse viewpoints.

IMAGICA GROUP will announce the selection results for the second edition of the “IMAGICA GROUP Film Project” at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The project was launched in 2025 to nurture and discover new talent and to explore the potential of Japanese visual expression on a global stage. Kei Ishikawa (film director), Shozo Ichiyama (Programming Director of the Tokyo International Film Festival), and Yuka Sakano (Executive Director of the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute) served as jury members for the selection. This announcement forms part of the official program of Cannes 2026 – Marché du Film, in collaboration with the Country of Honour Executive Committee.