Studio Statement
Fu Films is a Japan-based film studio working with international partners across documentary and non-fiction.
Our approach to filmmaking is centered on the story. We believe that every film should develop an emotionally engaging narrative, and that a consistent editorial commitment to this process gives lasting value to each collaboration.
The studio works across the full production spectrum, from full-scale projects developed from conception through delivery to focused, smaller productions or embedded roles within existing teams, including broadcast-level post-production and editorial leadership. It operates with a small, flexible core, collaborating with trusted cinematographers, editors, and producers as required by each project. This approach enables responsiveness across cultures, formats, and production environments while maintaining strong editorial consistency.
Fu Films was founded by British editor and director Eiji Iwakawa, who began his career in UK broadcast television at The Farm Group and brings over twenty years of experience working across Japanese and international production environments.
Clients include broadcasters such as NHK and CNN; streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Abema TV; as well as international advertising agencies such as Wieden Kennedy, BBH, and Mother.
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Featured Collaborators
Eiji Iwakawa – Producer / Director / Editor ____________________________________________________________________________ British editor and director working bilingually across Japan and international markets. Eiji leads projects with a strong editorial focus, often collaborating with directors, producers, and creative teams at different stages of production. His background in documentary, broadcast, and large-scale international projects of all sizes (from features to short promos) allows him to adapt his role as needed — from shaping narrative in the edit to supporting development, production, and cross-border collaboration.
Jun Iwakawa – Motion Graphics Consultant (UK based) ____________________________________________________________________________ Award winning motion graphics director specialising in title design, information design, and visual systems for documentary and non-fiction projects. Jun has worked on broadcast and commercial productions across the UK and Europe, with a strong understanding of editorial storytelling and broadcast requirements. He regularly consults on Fu Films projects, working closely with editors to integrate graphics seamlessly into narrative structures.
Kaoru Watanabe – General Manager ____________________________________________________________________________ Kaoru joined Fu Films in 2015 and oversees administrative and operational management. She supports day-to-day production activities and ensures smooth coordination across projects in both Japanese and English.
Irene Herrera – Producer / Director (Imago Machina), ____________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning director and producer working in documentary and story-driven non-fiction. Irene collaborates with Fu Films on international projects requiring strong editorial judgement and cross-cultural coordination. She has directed projects for multiple broadcasters, including Japan's NHK, as well as on branded content, such as a series commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省).
Nobutaka Shirahama – Director of Photography ____________________________________________________________________________ Extensive experience in documentary and non-fiction productions for broadcast and international projects. "Taka" has collaborated closely with Fu Films since 2013, including long-term work together at Vice Japan, and is known for his cinematic visuals. He has also worked extensively on Red Bull–related productions, with experience spanning sports, culture, and documentary storytelling.
Jun Hanamoto – Editor ____________________________________________________________________________ Bilingual editor, Jun Hanamoto, works in short-form documentary and branded storytelling, with a focus on music, performance, and culture. A frequent collaborator with Fu Films on Red Bull projects, he brings a vibrant energy to character-driven films. He has received the Film Excellence Award at SHIBUYA AWARDS 2016 for his film "Thundercat".
Sebastian Stein – Director / Camera (Seven Saints) ____________________________________________________________________________ Sebastian Stein is a tri-lingual (English, German, Japanese) documentary filmmaker specializing in Japan’s underground culture, with over 20 years of experience working in the country. His work has received two Asian Academy Awards, multiple Telly Awards, and recognition at international film festivals across Europe, Asia, and North America.
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