December 10th 2023 O.A.
American Film Market 2023
The American Film Market (AFM) happened for 6 days from October 31st at Santa Monica.
AFM is the largest trade fair for films in North America where film production companies, buyers, and sponsors from all over the world attend. About 250 industry related companies and organizations exhibited at the event this year.
JETRO LA office also had their own booth.
They promoted their online catalog “Japan Street” where buyers can directly contact the Japanese companies about the entertainment content they offer, and contributed to the sales of Japanese content.
The Japan Film Commission participated in the filming location section.
They introduced the incentive that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan began and promoted Japan as the next film location.
When selected as a filming location for big Hollywood productions, the substantial on-site budgets contribute to significant economic impact.
This leads to societal benefits such as the employment of local production crews and the acquisition of new technologies.
Consequently, countries around the world actively engage in efforts to attract film productions to their own territories.
Asian World Film Festival
The ninth “Asian World Film Festival” happened at Culver City on November 8th to 17th.
This festival showcases over 50 Asian films, with a focus on submissions from various Asian countries for the Academy Award’s International Feature Film category.
November 10th was the screening of “Perfect Days”, a Japanese film directed by Wim Wenders starring Koji Yakusho, and Consul General of Japan LA, Kenko Sone stated his greetings.
November 10th was “Japan Film Days” and a reception also happened before the actual screening.
Japanese sake, scallops, as well as some fruits imported from Japan were served to the invited guests promoting Japanese food and ingredients.
Anime Expo Chibi
November 11th to 12th was Anime Expo Chibi held at the Ontario Convention Center.
This is the small version of Anime Expo, an annual event that happens every summer in LA.
About 200 merchandise booths and 300 artist booths participated. Anime fans dressed in their favorite characters were able to enjoy shopping and live performances at the event.
Japanese foods like ramen, yakitori, takoyaki, and onigiri were available at the food section with the help of the Consulate General of Japan LA and JETRO.
Scallops from Hokkaido were also promoted at the event as the Japanese government is working hard to PR their Japanese marine products.