Most of Japan's filmmakers, producers and distributors, however, still tend to flock to Tokyo to avail themselves of funds. Those who do remain in the Kansai region not only find it difficult to raise money for their films, they also struggle to find venues to screen them. As a result, some resort to television, and particularly one program that specializes in airing low-budget, quality short films. In addition to extending financial help to amateur filmmakers, the program also helps them shape their films and puts them on the air.
Works accepted by the program thus far range from movies to dramas and plays.
With a budget of several million yen, the program is a ray of hope for aspiring media buffs in the region. The program's rating stands at around three percent. The film was broadcast nationwide and soon became a hit. I know there are many people in Tokyo involved in producing their own films, but Kansai presents different aspects than the capital when it comes to filmmaking. I think that if we accentuate these differences, we could come to rival Tokyo in this regard.