May 16, 2025: A bold new voice in international cinema has emerged with the launch of Maboroshi, a Tokyo-based film distribution and production collective unveiled at this year’s Cannes Film Market. The venture aims to redefine cross-cultural cinematic exchange between Japan, China, and the wider world.
Founded by a powerhouse team of industry veterans — producers Jin Zhao, Yosuke Kikuchi, Isabel Li, and Leo Li, along with renowned distributor-curator Liuying Cao and programmer Haochen Xu — Maboroshi brings a global vision rooted in Asian storytelling traditions.
The collective’s name, Maboroshi, derives from a shared word in Japanese and Chinese symbolizing the duality of “illusion” and “image.” This philosophical underpinning reflects the group’s mission to explore cinema as both a sensory experience and a medium of transcendent perception.
“For us, cinema is visceral yet distant, tangible yet elusive. It reshapes perception and expands time,” the founders explained. “Maboroshi is our creative and philosophical compass.”
The label’s dual strategy includes importing global auteur cinema to Japanese audiences and co-producing films that reflect Sino-Japanese perspectives with international appeal. On the distribution front, Maboroshi has partnered with The Katsuben Cinema, the boutique arthouse division of LesPros Entertainment, to introduce critically acclaimed works from Chinese-speaking regions and beyond.
The upcoming lineup is impressive, featuring:
- The Old Oak by Ken Loach (Cannes 2024 Official Selection)
- Afternoon of Solitude by Albert Serra (Winner, 2024 San Sebastián Golden Shell)
- The Sparring Partner by Ho Cheuk Tin
- Like a Rolling Stone by Yin Lichuan, a feminist narrative
- A New Old Play by Qiu Jiongjiong, an epic allegorical journey
Maboroshi is also continuing the Chinese Cinema Today initiative — a long-term cultural project dedicated to spotlighting emerging Chinese filmmakers for Japanese audiences across cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The program is designed to build ongoing cross-cultural cinematic dialogue rather than functioning as a standalone festival.
On the production side, Maboroshi is launching its slate with Fuxi: Joy in Four Chapters, the second feature by celebrated director Qiu Jiongjiong. The company will operate out of Tokyo and Beijing, focusing on daring, artistically rich projects with international potential — spanning script development, co-productions, and strategic investments.
“In a rapidly evolving global film ecosystem, cross-cultural collaboration is essential for shaping the future of cinema,” the founders emphasized.