The Tokyo International Film Festival Content Market (TIFFCOM) has unveiled its 2024 selection for the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, spotlighting 23 feature film projects in need of final funding. Among the chosen works is the animated feature Freedom in the Sky by renowned director Ayumu Watanabe, whose portfolio includes multiple Doraemon films and the critically acclaimed Children of the Sea. The project is being produced by Genco, Inc. alongside a Japan-South Korea live-action coproduction titled Staring at Your Back, adapted from an unspecified manga.
©Kuro Nohara, THOUSANDS OF BOOKS, 6699press
The live-action adaptation Staring at Your Back, helmed by Korean director Kun-jae Jang, is currently in development at Mocushura Inc. Sources indicate the film is based on Kuro Nohara’s BL manga Kimi no Senaka, which originally debuted in 2019 through Korean publisher 6699press. The story follows high school student Takeru Inomata, whose mundane provincial life transforms when childhood friend Kôtarô reenters his world.
A quiet high school existence filled with societal expectations shifts dramatically when Takeru encounters his former classmate. As their rekindled friendship deepens, both boys confront unexpected emotions that could blossom into something neither anticipated.
Animation director Watanabe continues his prolific career with multiple upcoming projects, including television adaptations of Witch Hat Atelier, Akane-banashi, and Ganglion. Meanwhile, CHOCOLATE Inc. advances production on their debut anime feature KILLTUBE, targeting a Spring 2026 global release following its well-received scene premiere at Anime Expo 2025.
This year’s Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, running October 29-31 at Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba, showcases an international roster including 17 live-action and six animated films from across Asia and Europe, plus three Japan-Italy coproductions.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
