Netflix Celebrates the Creative Tapestry of APAC Films at Tokyo Showcase

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Netflix Celebrates the Creative Tapestry of APAC Films at Tokyo Showcase

Entertainment

28 April 2025

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Netflix is all about bringing great stories to your screen, and the APAC Film Showcase in Tokyo on April 21 was no exception. With a commitment to partnering with the region's most exciting filmmaking voices, Netflix is set to deliver a slate of films this year that capture the local authenticity of Asia-Pacific storytelling.

Minyoung Kim, VP of Content for APAC (ex-India), kicked off the event by highlighting the impressive reach of APAC films. In 2024, APAC films appeared in the Non-English Film Weekly Top 10 more than any other region, with over 100 titles making the list, she shared. This surge in popularity reflects a nearly 20% growth in film viewing among APAC members, underscoring the global appetite for diverse and bold narratives.

In Southeast Asia, two zombie horror films are premiering this year - each with unique cultural twists. Malobika Banerji, Senior Director of Content, introduced Ziam from Thailand, directed by the showrunner of last year's chart-topping Master of the House. This film delivers high-octane Muay Thai action with a distinctly Thai flavor. Meanwhile, Kimo Stamboel's The Elixir offers Indonesia's never-before-seen take on a zombie outbreak sparked by a traditional herbal elixir. It weaves a tale of beliefs, betrayal, and survival set against the backdrop of a Javanese village.

A decade of Netflix in Japan

As Netflix approaches its 10th anniversary in Japan, Shin Takahashi, Director of Live Action Creative in Japan looked back at the country's film achievements so far, from the award-winning Asakusa Kid to the globally loved City Hunter. Ahead of Bullet Train Explosion's premiere, he shared behind-the-scenes insights , such as how it innovatively uses tokusatsu techniques - filming miniatures at 1/6 scale to achieve realistic practical effects - combined with cutting-edge visual effects.

Looking ahead, the audience was treated to a special look behind the scenes of 10DANCE, a highly anticipated manga adaptation exploring love and passion through dance, set to debut this December.

Takahashi emphasized Netflix's dedication to exploring unique and distinctive stories that push the boundaries of Japanese cinema. We aspire to uplift Japanese creativity alongside our Japanese creators and continue to challenge norms in the film industry, bringing fresh perspectives.

Korea's cinematic innovations

Over in Korea, seven films are premiering this year, offering unmatched variety. Vincent Taewon Kim, Director of Content for Korea, opened with the recent success of Revelations, which reached No.1 on Netflix's Global Top 10 list for non-English films - a testament to the creative vision and storytelling prowess of Korean filmmakers.

The press enjoyed an early viewing of the main trailer for Lost in Starlight, Netflix's first Korean animated feature. This coming-of-age romance film marks a meaningful collaboration with rising director Han Ji-won, known for her evocative storytelling and unique visual style. Korea has a rich talent pool. We have a lot of creators who are really good at storytelling, and Korea has our own unique visuals, she says. I hope after Lost in Starlight, there will be more Korean original animation movies, just like the powerhouse industries in the US and Japan.

Looking forward to Q3, the lineup includes Wall to Wall, which deals with noise pollution anxiety in Korean apartments, and modern-day themes like crypto and debt. Love Untangled offers a youthful romance set in 1998 Busan, capturing the warmth of young love and friendship. Exclusive clips of each film were showcased, giving attendees a glimpse of whats to come. Meanwhile, Mantis, a spin-off of the beloved 2023 Netflix film Kill Boksoon, promises killer action within the same contract killer universe.

On his inspiration to create Wall to Wall, Director Kim Tae-joon toyed with the idea of addressing real local issues in Korea, using them as a premise for thrilling stories. Over 80% of Korean residences are in apartments. It's not just a place where people live, but it's also where different interests and desires come into conflict. I thought it would be the perfect backdrop for an intriguing story.

Director Namkoong Sun offered a different angle with Love Untangled, seeking a lighthearted approach after previously making movies that explored life's difficulties. We need more joy, love, and happiness. East Asian and Western romcoms differ, but this film meets in the middle. The high school teens in Busan were perfect for this theme.

Celebrating India's love for film

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films for India, unveiled three vibrant films that celebrate the stories closest to the hearts of Indian audiences. With a focus on collaboration and storytelling that transcends borders, she offered exclusive sneak peeks of Aap Jaisa Koi (Someone Like You), a heartwarming romantic comedy, and the newly announced Inspector Zende, an entertaining crime drama.

Adding to the excitement, Kapoor Sheikh spotlighted an exclusive clip from Toaster, a wildly unpredictable dark comedy produced by KAMPA Films, co-founded by the versatile actor Rajkummar Rao. Rao, who joined the event in person, shared his excitement about producing this film. When you mix comedy with a thriller element, something amazing happens. We thought this could turn out to be a film, which we don't make enough in our country.

Kapoor Sheikh highlighted the global impact of Indian films on Netflix, with Indian titles consistently appearing in the Global Top 10 (Non-English) list. In India, nearly half of the viewing is from film, which is one of the

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