Netflix’s latest acquisitions from Asia: Crosspoint and Motherland
Key highlights from the Asian Contents & Film Market
The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), held alongside the Busan International Film Festival, proved to be a significant event for Philippines-based Fire and Ice Media. This year, the company sealed a major deal with Netflix for Donie Ordiales’ gripping film “Crosspoint”, securing the Asia Pacific rights. This acquisition underscores Netflix’s continuous efforts to diversify its content library and cater to varied tastes across different regions.
A deep dive into “Crosspoint”
“Crosspoint” presents a compelling narrative starring acclaimed Filipino actor Carlo Aquino and Japanese actor Hira Takehiro, who gained recognition for his Emmy-nominated performance in “Shogun.” The film weaves a captivating story of Manuel Hidalgo (Aquino), a once-renowned Filipino actor who relocates to Japan after his career falters. Manuel finds himself performing illegally in Filipino pubs to make ends meet. In an unexpected twist, his path crosses with Shigeru (Hira), a construction manager in his fifties who has recently gone bankrupt due to mounting debts.
This unlikely duo, both desperate to alter the course of their lives, comes across a news report about a serial killer on the run—someone Manuel shockingly recognizes. Spotting a chance to turn their fortunes around, they embark on a perilous journey to capture the killer and claim the reward money. This plot promises a thrilling ride filled with suspense and dramatic twists. Watch Crosspoint for a riveting experience.
Brillante Mendoza’s ”Motherland” at Busan
In addition to “Crosspoint,” Fire and Ice Media is also championing “Motherland”, directed by renowned Filipino auteur Brillante Mendoza. The film had its world premiere at the Busan festival, garnering significant attention.
“Motherland” delves into the story of Dao-ayen, a member of the Philippines’ Special Action Force stemming from the Ifugao tribe in northern Luzon. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the infamous 2015 Mamasapano raid, a tragic event that led to the deaths of 44 individuals. This poignant film is a powerful testament to resilience and heritage, offering audiences a profound cinematic experience. Explore Motherland.
The success and insights from ACFM
Fire and Ice Media’s strategic approach to film acquisition received validation at the ACFM. The event was a bustling hive of activity for the company, with continuous back-to-back meetings that opened up numerous inquiries about their titles. The deal with Netflix for “Crosspoint” marked a significant achievement for the company. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing for “Motherland” with various distributors, and there is a keen interest in presenting the film at upcoming festivals.
Liza Diño-Seguerra from Fire and Ice Media remarked, “This year’s ACFM was a tremendous experience for us. We successfully closed the Asia Pacific rights for ‘Crosspoint’ with Netflix. Moreover, we are in talks with distributors for ‘Motherland’, and exploring potential invitations for future festivals.”
Adapting to evolving market trends
Throughout the event, a consistent demand for horror films surfaced, offering Fire and Ice Media vital insights into the types of films they should consider acquiring next. There is an evident shift in how content is consumed, with streaming platforms dominating the landscape. Traditional methods of film distribution and theatrical releases are rapidly evolving. This transformation is particularly noticeable even in markets like Korea, where traditional cinema-going experiences have significantly declined.
“Adapting to this evolving market,” Diño-Seguerra added, “we are now focused on strategies that align with the growing preference for on-demand content. Understanding these trends helps guide our next steps, ensuring we meet the audience’s needs.”
Learning and growth at ACFM
As first-time participants, Fire and Ice Media found the ACFM to be an excellent platform not just for selling their films but also for gaining insights into the market dynamics. The company is already looking forward to applying the knowledge garnered at ACFM to refine their future strategies.
“We gained invaluable insights that will shape the future direction of our company,” Diño-Seguerra said. This knowledge equips them better for navigating the complex and ever-changing terrain of film distribution.
Stay connected
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.