Broker Director Kore-eda Hirokazu Calls for Reform of Japanese Film Industry
In a press event in Tokyo on Tuesday, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu announced the launch of a group of industry professionals aiming for structural reform of the Japanese film industry. Variety reports that the group calls itself the “Association for the Establishment of a Japanese Version of CNC,” referencing the Centre National du Cinema et de l’Image Animee, France’s government-backed industry oversight body.
The group’s other members are directors Suwa Nobuhiro, Sode Yukiko, Nishikawa Miwa, Fukada Koji, and Funabashi Jun, who were all present at Tuesday’s press event. The directors, who have been discussing the possibility of a Japanese equivalent of the CNC for nearly a year, are all members of Eiga Kantoku Yushi no Kai (Volunteer Association of Film Directors), a group focused on improving conditions in the film industry.
“We started meeting with the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan (Eiren) last spring,” Kore-eda said. “We have also had discussions and study sessions with various other organizations, and now we have decided to launch a group calling for the establishment of a Japanese version of the CNC.”
The Broker director spoke of freelance filmmakers’ grueling hours and low incomes, emphasizing the need for change.
The group outlined its reform goals, including support for film financing, distribution, education, and a healthy work environment. As with France’s CNC, the revenue from theaters, broadcasters, and distributors would be used to subsidize production. And perhaps most timely, the organization aims to implement strict measures to prevent sexual and power harassment in the film industry, including professional seminars and guidelines.
“We do not expect any major changes here,” Kore-eda continued. “But we hope that we can push forward and improve the working environment in the film industry, even if only a little.”
Kore-eda Recently Gained International Attention with Broker
Last month, Kore-eda Hirokazu made history when his Korean-language debut Broker finished its Cannes Film Festival premiere with a rousing 12-minute standing ovation, the longest ever for a Korean film.
Broker stars Parasite‘s Song Kang-ho as a self-proclaimed “broker of good will” who sets up an illegal re-homing operation for abandoned infants, finding makeshift family along the way. The film also stars Lee Ji-eun, Gang Dong-won, and Bae Doo-na.
Although the heartwarming drama was beaten out by Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness for the prestigious Palme d’Or, the drama went on to receive the 2022 Ecumenical jury award for best film; Song Kang-ho also snagged Best Actor for his role.
Kore-eda previously won the Palme d’Or for his 2018 Japanese crime drama Shoplifters.
