Asian cinema shines in Cannes amid industry challenges
French festival sees producers focusing on co-production and distribution rights
French actress Virginie Efira, left, Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, center, and Japanese actress Tao Okamoto pose during the photo call for “All of a Sudden” at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16. Hamaguchi’s film competed for the Palme d’Or, and its two stars later shared the festival’s best actress prize. © Getty Images
CANNES, France — Japanese directors led a strong contingent of Asian films at this year’s 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Beyond the screenings, though, Asian experts pointed to challenging problems for the Asian film industry ahead, as producers seek to widen distribution rights amid slow growth in cinema admissions in many countries.
