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Japan Takes Center Stage at Busan Film Market
13 Aug
Summary
- Japan is the 2026 Focus Country for ACFM Producer Hub, a co-production platform.
- Ten Japanese producers will attend in October for pitching and networking events.
- Producer Hub facilitates international co-production by showcasing markets and incentives.
The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) has designated Japan as the 2026 Focus Country for its Producer Hub, a significant platform for co-production networking tied to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Ten Japanese producers are scheduled to attend the event in Busan this October. They will engage in project pitching, speed meetings, and case-study sessions designed to build international relationships and trade information.
Now in its third year, Producer Hub annually showcases a specific market's production landscape, incentive programs, and developing projects. This year's Japanese delegation will detail their country's production system and seek new regional partners. ACFM Director Ellen Y.D. Kim highlighted Japan as Asia's most dynamic co-production partner, supported by bold policies and incentives for commercial films and series.
Producer Hub 2026 will run for four days, from October 10 to 13, an extension from the previous year to allow more time for relationship building. This extended duration aims to move discussions beyond initial introductions to detailed project development and potential collaborations, with follow-up sessions being arranged specifically for the Japanese producers.
The ACFM itself runs in Busan each October alongside BIFF. The market's 20th edition in 2025 saw registration from 1,222 companies and 3,024 professionals across 55 countries. The 2026 ACFM is scheduled for October 10-13 at BEXCO in Busan, coinciding with the 31st BIFF from October 6-15.
