Tokyo Film Festival: Nippon Cinema Now Directors Reveal Surprising Links to Hamaguchi, Reygadas

At the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, five emerging Japanese directors in the Nippon Cinema Now section discussed the unexpected connections that shaped their films. One first-time director reached out directly to cinematographer Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s frequent collaborator, while another filmmaker’s work so impressed Mexican auteur Carlos Reygadas that he proposed a future project. The panel, titled “How We Make Films,” highlighted the collaborative and often surprising nature of independent cinema in Japan. These personal stories underscore the growing international recognition of Japanese filmmakers and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry. The festival, held in Tokyo, continues to serve as a key platform for discovering new voices and fostering global partnerships.