#Japan #Tokyo #Cannes #IMAGICA GROUP #Hirokazu Kore-eda

IMAGICA GROUP Launches New Film Project: 'Maria'

In a remarkable gesture to celebrate its 90th anniversary, IMAGICA GROUP Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, has launched an ambitious film project, unveiling its first original production titled 'Maria' at the prestigious 78th Cannes Film Festival. This groundbreaking project aims to showcase Japanese storytelling on a global platform, pushing the boundaries of visual culture into the future.

During a press conference held on May 14 at the Japan Pavilion in Cannes, Shunjiro Nagase, the Representative Director, President, and CEO of the IMAGICA GROUP, opened the event with insightful remarks about their vision for the future of visual arts. He was joined by notable figures from the film industry, including acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Shozo Ichiyama, the Program Director of the Tokyo International Film Festival, and Yuka Sakano, the Executive Director of the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute. The trio served as jury members responsible for selecting this innovative project.

Hana Tsuchikawa, the producer of 'Maria' and a key figure at OLM, Inc., expressed her excitement about winning the first award for this project, sharing her perspectives with the audience. Although Tomoka Terada, the writer and director of the film, could not attend the press conference in person, she contributed through a video message where she conveyed her heartfelt emotions about the project and its significance.

The purpose of the IMAGICA GROUP's film project aligns with its core mission to foster new talent and promote Japanese visual expression on the world stage. Shunjiro Nagase emphasized this goal, stating, “We have considered what steps we should take to support the visual culture of the future. It is vital to bring forth new talent and works, pursuing the opportunities for Japanese visual expression globally.”

He further elaborated on the project’s aims, highlighting the importance of participating in and winning awards at international film festivals. To achieve this, three expert jury members—Hirokazu Kore-eda, Shozo Ichiyama, and Yuka Sakano—were selected to evaluate the project rigorously.

The IMAGICA GROUP’s film project promises to enrich the cinematic landscape with innovative content and artistic exploration. More comprehensive details, including eligibility requirements and official materials such as photos, videos, and press releases, can be found via their dedicated links.

This new endeavor marks a significant milestone for IMAGICA GROUP, paving the way for future projects that could redefine the boundaries of Japanese cinema while celebrating the rich artistic heritage the company has cultivated over the last 90 years.

To explore further details about the project, you can visit their special 90th-anniversary page on the IMAGICA GROUP website here.