JAPAN PITCH Event Report: Japanese Film Creators take on the global stage at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK, organized by Atmovie Inc. and supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund, is an accelerator program dedicated to supporting Japanese film creators in bringing their projects to the international co-production market. The program held its pitching event, JAPAN PITCH, on May 16, 2026, at the Japan Pavilion of the Marché du Film, the film market held alongside the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

Five selected fellows took the stage to present their projects to an audience of international producers and film industry professionals. The event featured passionate presentations and a networking reception that followed, creating valuable opportunities for cross-border collaboration and future project development.

This report highlights the event’s activities and shares the future outlook for the ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK program.

Passionate Pitches for the Global Film Market: Five Selected Fellows Take the Stage

At this year’s JAPAN PITCH, five fellows were selected through a review process from among the fourteen participants of ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK and represented the program on stage.

Selected Fellows, in presentation order

• Soji Arai“Their Own Sake”
• Yoshimi Joya“Almost Goodbye”
• Tomomi Furuyama“My Missing Half”
• Sachiko Miyase“Portrait of Absence”
• Shun Seki“Her Voice”

For more information about this accelerator program, please refer to the press release published on December 3, 2025. Detailed profiles of the selected fellows are available on the ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK website.

This year marked a significant opportunity for Japan, as the Marché du Film designated Japan as its Country of Honour. As a result, the Japan Pavilion attracted a large number of industry professionals from around the world who are highly interested in Japanese filmmakers.

The selected fellows delivered their pitches entirely in English, presenting projects currently in development for international co-productions. Through discussions and networking with attendees, the event provided valuable opportunities to explore potential collaborations and further strengthened the prospects for international co-production.

Special Sessions at the BHARAT Pavilion and Afro Cannes

In addition to the presentation at the Japan Pavilion, the fellows were also given the opportunity to participate in special sessions at the BHARAT Pavilion, representing India, one of the world’s biggest film-producing nations, and at Afro Cannes, an initiative that connects African film professionals with the global film industry.

These special sessions enabled the selected fellows to build new international relationships that may lead to future co-production opportunities. They also served as an important step toward increasing the global visibility of the ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK program and expanding the potential for new partnerships with organizations that share a similar vision and commitment to international collaboration.

The Fellows’ Momentum Gained in Cannes

Through their participation in the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the five selected fellows gained a renewed sense of confidence that their original projects have the potential to resonate with people worldwide.

Following the pitches and special sessions, the fellows received concrete feedback on their projects and established new connections with international producers and creators. Some have already begun pursuing follow-up discussions and exploring potential collaborations, further expanding the possibilities for international co-productions and taking tangible steps toward project realization.

Equally significant was the opportunity to meet filmmakers from around the world whose passion and determination are driving the future of the industry. These encounters prompted the fellows to reflect more deeply on their own creative ambitions and to ask themselves why they want to create internationally with them, and why now.

As a result, their perspectives have evolved considerably. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them, they have embraced a proactive producer mindset, one that seeks out opportunities and takes action. Equipped with this renewed mindset, the fellows have taken an important step forward onto the global stage.

Comment from the Organizer

Takeshi Moriya, President & CEO, Atmovie Inc. / Chief Producer, ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK

“Through this pitching event in Cannes, we were once again reminded of the tremendous potential of Japanese creators and the strong international interest in co-production opportunities with Japan.

The goal of ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK is not simply to provide a platform for pitching. Our ultimate objective is to help creators develop projects that can reach global audiences through theatrical releases and worldwide distribution.

We will continue to support our fellows in both project development and practical execution, with the aim of seeing international co-productions emerge from this program and nurturing creators who can thrive on the global stage.”

Future Outlook

ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK views JAPAN PITCH not as a one-time presentation opportunity, but as the beginning of a long-term initiative. The program aims to expand its presence at international film festivals and markets while providing fellows with broader opportunities to learn, connect, and advance their international co-production projects.

Key initiatives moving forward include:

• Matching Fellows with International Industry Professionals and Supporting Project Development

  Building on the feedback received from producers and film professionals in Cannes and beyond, the program will continue to provide practical support for project development and facilitate opportunities for international collaboration.

• Further Refinement of Projects for the Global Market

  To help fellows create projects that can resonate with international audiences, ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK will continue to invite a diverse range of domestic and international mentors, offering ongoing opportunities for project consultation and creative development.

• Expanding Participation in International Film Festivals and Markets

  Following engagements in Berlin and Cannes, the program plans to continue its presence at major international film festivals, markets, and pitching forums, including the Busan International Film Festival in October 2026.

Through these efforts, ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK aims to further strengthen the global presence of Japanese film creators and foster new opportunities for international collaboration.

Event Overview: ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK JAPAN PITCH (May 16, 2026)

Event Title

JAPAN PITCH

Venue

Japan Pavilion, Marché du Film, 79th Cannes Film Festival

Speakers

Takeshi Moriya, Chief Producer, ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK

Selected Fellows

Soji Arai (Their Own Sake), Yoshimi Joya (Almost Goodbye), Tomomi Furuyama (My Missing Half), Sachiko Miyase (Portrait of Absence), Shun Seki (Her Voice)

Attendance

170 participants

Website

https://global-track.net/

ABOUT ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK

ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK is an accelerator program designed for Japan’s next generation of filmmakers looking to venture into international co-productions.

Through practical lectures and extensive mentorship provided by seasoned industry professionals with long-standing expertise in filmmaking, participating fellows will refine their original projects and have the opportunity to pitch their projects at JAPAN PITCH, an event held at major international film festivals and markets, aiming to secure tangible opportunities and partnerships for international co-production.

Furthermore, ATMOVIE GLOBAL TRACK has been officially selected and is implemented as part of the Creator Support Project, Development and Implementation of Training Programs, under the Japan Creator Support Fund, established by the Japan Arts Council.

About Atmovie Inc.

Atmovie Inc. is an entertainment company that produces everything that can emerge from cinematic storytelling as a starting point, including the planning, production, and development of television dramas, films, streaming content, and stage plays. Guided by the motto IMAGINE / REALIZE / ENTERTAIN, Atmovie strives to turn the exciting ideas it envisions into reality and to create and share meaningful emotional experiences with audiences, placing entertainment at the starting point of human connection.

Website: https://atmovie.sakura.ne.jp/atwp/