The Asian Contents & Film Market has selected Japan as the 2026 Focus Country for its Producer Hub, according to official market announcements. Ten Japanese producers will travel to Busan this October to participate in case-study sessions, speed meetings, and project pitching, thereby establishing fresh avenues for regional co-productions in conjunction with the Busan International Film Festival.
Japan Steps into the Spotlight at Producer Hub 2026
Now in its third year, the Producer Hub provides a dedicated forum for international co-productions, allowing filmmakers to trade information and build relationships. According to ACFM, the initiative singles out one focus country annually to showcase that market’s production landscape, incentive programs, and slate of in-development projects. The Japanese delegation will pitch active projects, detail how the country’s production system operates, and look for new partners across the region.
“Japan today is Asia’s most dynamic co-production partner,” said ACFM Director Ellen Y.D. She pointed to longstanding strengths in independent and arthouse cinema expanding into commercial films and series, backed by bold policies centered on grants and incentives.
Expansion, Timelines, and Global Partnerships
Created in 2024, the Producer Hub serves as a specialized platform where producers can discuss investment, financing strategies, and local support initiatives. Korea held the inaugural focus country slot in 2024, co-hosted by the Korean Film Council. Canada took the spot in 2025 alongside Telefilm Canada, drawing 154 producers representing 25 countries.
That Canadian exchange took on added significance following an audiovisual co-production treaty Canada and Korea signed in 2026. Meanwhile, Producer Hub’s partner network has grown from eight organizations in seven countries at launch to 13 organizations across 10 countries today.
Pro Tip for Filmmakers: The application window for producers interested in international co-production is open through Aug. 31 via the official ACFM website.
Extended Schedule and Deepened Collaboration
The Producer Hub 2026 runs four days from Oct. 10 to 13, marking a one-day extension compared to the 2025 edition, according to ACFM schedules. Organizers added the extra day to give participants more room to build on early conversations.
Follow-up sessions are being arranged specifically with the Japanese producers so discussions started during speed meetings can continue. These meetings move past simple introductions into details on projects, production conditions, and potential collaboration, according to market organizers.
ACFM and Busan Film Festival Scale New Heights
The Asian Contents & Film Market runs in Busan each October alongside the Busan International Film Festival. Official attendance records show that the 20th edition in 2025 marked the market’s largest event to date, drawing 3,024 professionals and 1,222 companies from 55 different countries. Total on-site attendance hit 30,006, while the Sales Market logged 8,438 business meetings with an estimated transaction value of $71.1 million.
The 2026 Asian Contents & Film Market runs Oct. 6–15, set for Oct. 10–13 at BEXCO’s Exhibition Center 2 in Busan, alongside the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Notably, Japan was also the country of honor at this year’s Cannes Film Market.
Did You Know? The Producer Hub partner network has expanded to include 13 distinct organizations spanning 10 different countries since its inception in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACFM Producer Hub?
It is a co-production networking platform tied to the Busan International Film Festival that helps producers compare notes on financing, investment, and support schemes.
When and where will the 2026 event take place?
The 2026 Asian Contents & Film Market runs from Oct. 10 to 13 at BEXCO’s Exhibition Center 2 in Busan, South Korea.
Who is the Focus Country for Producer Hub 2026?
Japan has been selected as the 2026 Focus Country, sending a delegation of 10 producers for project pitching and speed meetings.
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