AKIYO FUJIMURA

Beyond JAPAN -Filmmaker- | [IMDB]

Early Life and Education | Akiyo Fujimura was born in Tokyo, Japan, where her passion for filmmaking began to take shape during her university years. While still a student, Akiyo's talent was evident when her short film, “The Summer Moon”, was selected for the 36th Pia Film Festival, marking the beginning of her journey in the world of cinema. Her early success at this prestigious festival, along with others, set a promising tone for her future career.

Career Beginnings | Upon graduating from university, Akiyo began working behind the scenes at Toho Studios, one of Japan's most renowned film studios. She took on roles as a Production Assistant (PA) and Assistant Director (AD), gaining valuable experience in the film industry. Despite the hands-on experience, her true passion lay in directing, and she soon returned to her core interest.

Breakthrough with ERIKO, PRETENDED | Akiyo’s dedication to her craft culminated in her debut feature film, Eriko, Pretended. The film received significant recognition and support, including a grant from the Cineastes Organization Osaka. Eriko, Pretended made a notable impact at the 2016 SKIP City International D-Cinema Festival, where it won the SKIP City Award. Its success was not limited to Japan; the film was also recognized at the Working Title Film Festival in Italy, receiving a Special Mention. It went on to be screened at festivals across Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and Russia, garnering acclaim on both national and international stages. In 2018, the film was released in theaters across Japan and Thailand, and it is now available for streaming on US Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Contributions to TEN YEARS JAPAN | Akiyo continued to build her reputation by contributing to the omnibus film Ten Years Japan. In this project, she directed the segment titled The Air We Can’t See, which was executive produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a notable figure in Japanese cinema. The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in 2018 and subsequently saw a nationwide release in Japan, further establishing Akiyo’s prominence in the film industry.

Move to the United States and Further Education | In 2022, Akiyo Fujimura relocated to the United States, seeking new opportunities and broader horizons in the film industry. She enrolled in UCLA Extension’s film program, where she honed her skills further and graduated in 2024. This move marked a new chapter in her career, opening doors to new creative possibilities and collaborations.

Legacy and Impact | Akiyo Fujimura's journey from Tokyo to the international film scene reflects her dedication and passion for filmmaking. With a career marked by significant achievements and a growing presence in both Japanese and global cinema, Akiyo continues to be an influential figure in the film industry. Her work, characterized by its emotional depth and innovative storytelling, promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.