Asian Producers Form Cross-Border Alliance at Busan

In a groundbreaking move towards greater collaboration and advocacy within the Asian film industry, independent producers hailing from five distinct Asian regions have officially inaugurated the Asian Producers Alliance (APA). This momentous occasion unfolded at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market, heralding a new era of cross-border co-production and a concerted effort to safeguard the rights of creative talent. The formation of the APA signals a collective desire to transcend individual market limitations and unite in shaping the future of Asian cinema.

Asian Producers Alliance Unites at Busan for Enhanced Collaboration and Rights Protection

On a significant Sunday at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market, a pioneering coalition of independent film producers from five Asian territories officially launched the Asian Producers Alliance (APA). Among the esteemed representatives, Kim Ji-yeon, the renowned producer behind the global phenomenon "Squid Game" and a board member of the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK), delivered the powerful founding declaration. This declaration emphasized a shared vision: "For years, we have faced the same changes alone – in our own markets, in our own languages. Today we choose to face them together. We will advance co-production across Asia, so that our stories can be made together and travel further."

The newly established alliance encompasses a diverse group of independent producing bodies, specifically the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK), the Indonesian Film Producers Association (APROFI), the Philippine Independent Producers Group (PIPG), the Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association (HKMPEA), and the Taiwan Producers Association (TPA). Crucially, this initiative is entirely driven by independent producers, devoid of direct involvement from major studios, conglomerates, or governmental entities. The conceptualization and initial groundwork for the APA were laid by PGK and APROFI, with all five founding organizations subsequently providing online endorsement for its establishment.

The announcement served as the culminating point of a seminar titled "Empowering Asian Cinema: Solidarity and Creative Alliance," hosted by PGK at the ACFM Producers Hub. The discussion, expertly moderated by Han Jin, International Committee director for PGK, featured a distinguished panel of producers. These included Yulia Evina Bhara from Indonesia's KawanKawan Media, Rhee Handae, CEO of Korea's Sidus, Yamaguchi Shin of Tokyo-based Knockonwood, and Bianca Balbuena, co-founder and COO of the Philippines’ Epicmedia Productions. The panel delved into critical conversations surrounding co-production in a rapidly evolving industry landscape, significantly impacted by the rise of streaming platforms and short-form content. Yamaguchi Shin concisely articulated the guiding principle for the discourse: "Think globally," underscoring that international co-production has become an indispensable element of the industry's future as producers navigate cross-border realities.

The extensive experience of the panelists already mirrors this transformative shift. Yamaguchi, for instance, has dedicated over two decades to orchestrating international co-productions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Rhee leads Sidus's Korea-Vietnam co-production endeavors, including projects developed through a joint venture with director Phan Gia Nhat Linh. Bhara boasts an impressive portfolio, including the Cannes-winning film "Tiger Stripes" and the Venice-winning "Autobiography." Balbuena, likewise, has produced films that have graced the screens of prestigious international festivals such as Sundance, Venice, Cannes, and Berlin.

Initially, the APA will function as a consultative body, prioritizing the advancement of co-production across Asia and the robust protection of creators' intellectual property rights. The long-term vision is for the alliance to evolve into a more formally structured organization with established decision-making processes. During its inaugural year, the APA welcomes additional producer organizations from across Asia, with provisions allowing for more than one organization per territory to join. Members are slated to convene online quarterly, with an annual general assembly scheduled during the ACFM. Lee Dong-ha, president of PGK, and Edwin Nazir, chairman of APROFI, have been appointed as the alliance's inaugural co-representatives, with Han Jin and Bhara serving as co-secretary generals. All four will hold one-year terms, with subsequent elections to be held at each annual general assembly.

Lee passionately declared, "APA is not a declaration – it is a practice of solidarity that begins now." Adding to this sentiment, Johnny Wang, chairman of HKMPEA, noted that producers have historically followed established paths. However, he emphasized, "Now, with the birth of the APA, we are embarking on an entirely new and unprecedented journey." The APA plans to host its second seminar at the JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in December. This upcoming event, to be hosted by APROFI, will specifically focus on the crucial topic of creators' intellectual property.

The establishment of the Asian Producers Alliance marks a pivotal moment for the film industry across the continent. By uniting independent voices and fostering collaborative ventures, the APA has the potential to elevate Asian storytelling to new global heights while ensuring the fair treatment and recognition of the talented individuals who bring these narratives to life. This collective endeavor signifies a powerful shift towards an integrated and empowered Asian cinematic future, promising richer, more diverse, and more impactful films for audiences worldwide.