CINEMA CHAMPION
Veteran Japanese actor Yakusho Koji will be feted with the prestigious lifetime achievement honor at the 18th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. Yakusho, who won best actor at Cannes in 2023 for Wim Wenders‘ “Perfect Days,” becomes the third Japanese recipient of the AFA’s highest accolade, following director Yamada Yoji (2008) and actress Kiki Kirin (2016).
A former civil servant who first ventured into Taiga drama (long-running TV series broadcast by NHK), then played in several films by Kurosawa Akira, Yakusho became a major 1990s star in Asia as a result of “Shall We Dance?,” in which he portrayed a ball room dancer, and “Lost Paradise.” He also starred in Itami Juzo’s “Tampopo.”
The honor recognizes Yakusho’s four decades of contributions to cinema. The acclaimed performer was nominated four times and has previously nabbed the AFA best actor trophy twice — for “The Blood of Wolves” (2018) and “Perfect Days” (2023) — making him one of the most decorated actors in the awards’ history alongside Tony Leung and Lee Byung-hun.
“I was truly humbled to hear the names of the past recipients and found myself in awe of such distinguished figures,” Yakusho said. “Receiving this award motivates me to strive for even better work in the remaining years of my acting career.”
The ceremony is set for March 16 at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District. In addition to the awards ceremony, Yakusho will participate in a screening of “Perfect Days” on March 15, where he’ll engage with Hong Kong fans.
PARTICIPATORY PHENOMENON
“Hypnosis Mic – Division Rap Battle-,” the world’s first commercially released interactive animated movie, is breaking new ground since its Feb. 21 Japanese debut. The film allows audiences to influence the storyline in real-time, with some fans returning to theaters up to 24 times in a single week.
The innovative format includes 53 interactive milestones that viewers can unlock as digital achievements. In its first week, the film screened 1,200+ times across 85 locations, with 30% of viewers returning for second viewings.
“Interactive cinema is no longer a concept – it’s a proven success,” says Ronan Wong, interactive advisor for the project. “Audiences are returning to theaters in record numbers, and this format is going to revolutionize the way movies are made and experienced.”
BOLLYWOOD BRIDGE
Film Conclave 2025, the U.K.-India co-production market, has opened submissions for its May 26 event at London’s Skyline Tower Suites. The conclave serves as a flagship component of India Week, hosted by Economic Policy Group. Filmmakers have until March 28 to submit their projects via FilmFreeway for consideration at this platform connecting creators with industry professionals, financiers and distributors.
The day-long program features investor roundtables, masterclasses and panels with rfilmmakers and streaming leaders, plus dedicated networking and deal-making sessions. A drinks reception will cap the event, attended by key figures from Indian cinema and policymaking.
Notable attendees at last year’s inaugural conclave included Pranab Kapadia (distributor of “Jigra”), Sudipto Sarkar (writer of “Chandu Champion”) and actor Taha Shah Badussha from Netflix’s “Heeramandi.”
Co-curated by ReelN Ltd and Lotus Visual Productions with Integrity International Group, the event aims to strengthen cross-border cinematic partnerships while exploring evolving trends in streaming, AI and visual effects.
