‘Renoir’ Producers Join Asia-Europe Co-Production Panel at Tokyo Market as Japanese Accelerator Atmovie Global Track Partners With Ties That Bind

Tokyo’s TIFFCOM market is set to spotlight the evolving landscape of Asia-Europe film collaborations with a significant panel discussion and a strategic partnership announcement. On October 30, industry leaders including producers from the Cannes competition entry “Renoir” will discuss the intricacies of international co-productions, underscoring the growing trend of cross-continental creative alliances.

The session, titled "Building Creative Partnerships," aims to unravel the collaborative processes that enable filmmakers and producers from Asia and Europe to elevate their projects to global platforms. Central to this dialogue are Mizuno-Gray Eiko, CEO of Tokyo’s Loaded Films, and Christophe Bruncher, a French producer based at Ici et Là Productions. Both contributed to “Renoir,” which garnered attention at Cannes in 2025, reflecting the caliber of work emerging from Asia-Europe cooperation.

Mizuno-Gray’s portfolio extends beyond “Renoir” to include notable titles such as “Plan 75,” which received a special mention at Cannes in 2022 and represented Japan in the Oscar race. She is actively engaged in developing new co-productions spanning Poland-Japan and Japan-Philippines collaborations, illustrating the expanding geographic scope of these creative partnerships. Her role as a support producer for the Atmovie Global Track accelerator and as a juror for the Tokyo International Film Festival’s Asian Future segment further cements her influence in fostering new talent.

Christophe Bruncher, who brings linguistic skills in Mandarin and a background from La Fémis, heads Ties That Bind, a Europe-based workshop supporting international co-productions. His recent projects, including the Berlinale-featured “Truly Naked” and Toronto selection “Four Seasons in Java,” both screening at this year’s Tokyo festival, exemplify impactful transregional storytelling.

Complementing this panel are Oh Heejung, founder of Seesaw Pictures with bases in Seoul and Amsterdam, and Moriya Takeshi, CEO of Atmovie and producer behind acclaimed works like “Midnight Diner” and “Midnight Swan.” Their participation underscores a collective commitment to bridging creative and cultural divides within the industry.

Preceding the public discussion, a closed workshop on October 27 and 28 will offer fellows from Atmovie Global Track hands-on mentorship by Oh and Bruncher. This initiative prioritizes active project development and career strategy over traditional lectures, reflecting a modern, collaborative approach to industry training.

The Atmovie Global Track program is dedicated to equipping Japanese filmmakers with the skills and networks necessary for successful international co-productions. It emphasizes direct engagement through pitching opportunities at major events, including the Japan Pavilion at Cannes and the Japan Pitch at Busan International Film Festival.

At the core of these efforts is a recognition of common challenges faced by creators working across languages and cultures. Building trust and effective communication are crucial themes addressed throughout the program and panel, aiming to enhance the global presence of Japanese and wider Asian cinema.

The partnership between Atmovie Global Track and Ties That Bind signifies a formalized commitment to fostering these Asia-Europe connections. Ties That Bind, co-founded by Alessandro Gropplero, operates with support from European audiovisual funds and festivals, providing a robust infrastructure for cross-border collaboration.

Funding from the Japan Creator Support Fund, managed by the Japan Arts Council with backing from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, underpins these initiatives. This financial support highlights governmental recognition of the cultural and economic value of international co-productions.

As the Tokyo International Film Festival unfolds alongside TIFFCOM, this convergence of market and festival activities creates fertile ground for dialogue and deal-making. The dialogue on October 30 offers an invaluable opportunity for industry stakeholders to share insights and experiences, reinforcing Tokyo’s role as a nexus for global film partnerships.

Details on individual projects and further developments from these collaborations remain forthcoming, but the momentum generated by these initiatives signals a dynamic future for Asia-Europe cinematic co-productions.